When someone dies without having a valid will, this is known as dying "intestate". In this situation, and also if there are no beneficiaries stated in a valid will, the people who benefit from the estate and who can deal with the estate are determined by laws commonly referred to as the Rules of Intestacy. When probate without a will is required, an application must be made to the Court before the legal administration of the estate can begin. www.probatesonline.co.uk