What happens if you die without a Will?
If you die without a Will in place, the money, property and possessions you leave behind will need to be distributed according to intestacy laws.
A guide to how the intestacy rules in England and Wales apply
In England and Wales your estate would be distributed equally between your closest living relatives. It’s important to consider if this is what you want, as these relatives may not be who you’d choose to bequeath your estate to. If you have a partner you’re not married to, or any step-children, they would not be entitled to receive anything at all.
We’ve put together a flow chart to illustrate who would inherit your estate if you were to die without leaving a Will.
- For deaths before 6 February 2020
- For deaths on or after 6 February 2020
- For deaths on or after 26 July 2023
For deaths before 6 February 2020
For deaths on or after 6 February 2020
For deaths on or after 26 July 2023
Get the legal advice you need
If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our reassuring experts can talk you through what would happen to your estate without a Will. We’ll also be able to help if you decide to take action to make sure the people you want to inherit your estate can do so.