No will

[Playgrind]

My dad is expected to die shortly, he refused any treatment so we don't even know exactly what is killing him.

He has no will, rents a flat, no assets other than a few thousand. He is still married so we assume everything will go to her, but we are wondering what happens when he dies?

We expect as the flat is rented (from a housing association) his stuff will need to be out and cleared within a month or so. What happens to his belongings before it legally becomes my mums property?

We think there will be a post mortum /coroner to establish cause of death first. I may not have the correct terms, this is all new to me and has happened quickly. He's only 67.

If he's married and the estate is only a few thousand pounds' worth, then yes, everything passes to his wife and she will be responsible for administering his estate. This means she will be the one who has to notify his banks etc, pay his debts from his funds, and will get whatever is left. She will be entitled to his personal property as well.

As above poster said.
A few thousand will go on funeral costs probably.

In regards to the post mortem, it sounds like this is likely. Is your dad having any GP input or end of life care from district nurses or other organisations?
If the GP has made a diagnosis they can issued and SOI which is a summary of the person's condition, prognosis and where and how they wish to be cared for in the final stages. With an SOI there is less chance of a death being referred to the coroner.
Your father can still refuse medical treatment but having an SOI in place in the final stages can make things much more straight forward after a death.
Have you been able to discuss anything with your father about his wishes?

Thanks for your replies.

Unfortunately I don't think there is an SOI. GP thinks gastrointestinal cancer but nothing more specific as dad even refused diagnostic tests.

He has this afternoon been able to make some funeral preferences thank goodness.

He currently has support from a palliative care nurse at home and twice daily visits from carers. Mum is stressing about what to do with his stuff, he has a lot of old and largely worthless possessions.