If you die without leaving a will, then the state decides how your estate (money, property, personal processions etc.) is distributed, using the intestacy rules. These rules are thought by many to be old fashioned and may not reflect what you would have wanted to happen. Key people such as your partner could be excluded under the intestacy rules.
Intestacy rules
The rules used can be complicated, but here are some of the highlights:
- Currently if you are married or in a civil partnership, your partner will get the first £250,000 of your estate and all your possessions, no matter what their value is. The remainder will then be split equally between your surviving partner and any children.
- If you are not married or in a civil partnership your partner will get nothing. Instead your estate will be distributed according to a pre-set hierarchy of blood relatives.
- If you have been married, got separated, but not divorced your ex could still inherit as if you were married.
When there isn’t a will the whole process of administering and distributing an estate becomes much more complicated and long-winded.
Making a will is the only way to be certain that those who you want to inherit do so. Not only does it ensure that no one is left out, but it will make things so much easier for those you leave behind. We’ve made it all so simple for you to do, so if you haven’t got round to making yours yet, don’t put it off any longer, give us a go and you could have it sorted in no time at all.