what happens when someone dies without a will

[knakered]

my husbands father died last year - with no will in place. what happens to his estate (life insurance, house, business?) - he leaves a wife and 3 adult children.

The business is family business the mother late father and brother are directors - does my husband and his sister have any right to claim aginst the business or the estate?

Think it all goes to his wife . Presumably someone must already have got probate or the assets could have been frozen and business affected.

ah sorry, it may be limited in the amount which can automatically go to his wife, then children can get a share, see here . Think you really need to consult a solictor to clarify the position.

Thanks LIZs this is interesting -- the assets were frozen for many months but have now been unfrozen by MILs solicitor looks like my husband should have some claim ?? - anyone any idea what happens in a family business situation is is treated as an asset also?

Also wondered if anyone has claimed an interest in a parents estate from the surviving parent...seems a bit mercenary...