In New Zealand, if you die without a will, a close family member or other person suitably connected to you must go through the lengthy process of applying for letters of administration on intestacy (instead of probate) to be authorised to deal with your property and manage your estate. It also means your estate will be distributed according to the rules set out in the Administration Act 1969, which might not match your wishes.
In New Zealand, probate refers to the legal process of proving and registering a deceased person's will in the High Court to ensure that their estate is distributed according to their wishes. If the person dies without a will, a similar process known as "letters of administration on intestacy" applies.
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