If this happens to one of your relatives, it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible, because the law sets out who should then inherit their estate (their money, property and possessions).
Usually, a close relative like a spouse, parent or child has the right to deal with the estate of the person who has died. They are referred to as an ‘administrator’ - the person who deals with the estate if there’s no will.
You can usually apply for a grant of representation to be the administrator of the estate if you’re the person’s next of kin, for example their husband, wife, civil partner or child.