Intestacy

Questions & Answers

• Question - How can you divide up household and personal items when there is no will?

  When a person dies without a will, a probate court will get involved in overseeing how remaining property is divided.

• Question - In Ontario, what happens if a spouse dies and does not have a will?

  When a person dies without a will, who will get his or her property depends on how the survivors are related -- and sometimes, how many there are.

• Question - How can I get a check cashed that was written to my deceased mother's estate?

  It will take some fancy footwork -- and possibly a court proceeding -- to cash a check made out to your mother after her death.

• Question - My father has had a stroke and has no will. How do I ensure his things are taken care of?

  A parent who wishes to make a will may be able to do so, even after suffering a stroke.

• Question - Am I entitled to property from my brother's estate if both of my parents are alive?

  Whether a sibling is entitled to another sibling's property at death may depend on whether or not there was a will in the picture.

• Question - How can we find out if my mother-in-law had a will?

  If a search in the obvious places doesn't turn up a will, try a few less obvious ones.