A: In Alberta, if you die without a valid will, the Intestate Succession Act applies to the property you leave behind. The Act sets out how your property is to be distributed to the survivors. Rules determine how much can be given to your surviving spouse or adult interdependent partner and to any surviving children. If there is no surviving spouse or adult interdependent partner and no surviving child, then the property goes, in order, to surviving parents, siblings, nephews or nieces, and, if necessary, to the remaining next of kin. Dying without a will, if your estate is valued at over $3,000, means that someone must apply to the court to be named as an administrator. Specific rules rank who can apply to administer your property, starting with your surviving spouse or adult independent partner.
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