What happens if you die without a Will?
If a person dies without a valid Will in England and Wales, they are said to have died "intestate”, and their assets (money, property, and possessions) are distributed according to strict legal rules called the rules of intestacy.
As the intestacy rules follow a specific order of priority, you have no control over who inherits your assets, or in what proportions, which might well go against your wishes or leave out people you wanted to provide for.
In addition, there are further potential issues and consequences of dying intestate which include:
- If you are not married, your partner will not automatically inherit your estate.
- If you have minor children and no surviving parent, the Court may decide who becomes their guardian.
- The process can be more complex, time-consuming, and potentially expensive than if you have a Will.
- It can lead to family disputes, especially if there are complicated family relationships or if individuals feel they should have inherited.
- You cannot set up trusts to manage assets for beneficiaries (e.g., for children until they reach a certain age) so you will not make the most of your Estate.
- In the worst case, your Estate would pass to the Crown if no relatives can be found.
Making a Will gives you control and peace of mind for the future. Our Private Client Team will assist you in protecting your Estate for those you love, the beneficiaries you choose and provide advice on the tax position to minimise the tax in your Estate.
Contact Sophie Careless-Shore or Barbara Sykes to make your Will appointment today and take control of your legacy: telephone 01903 784447 or email scarelessshore@moyle.co.uk / bsykes@moyle.co.uk
