Intestacy Rules

Question 1

What happens if a person dies without a will?

Answer 1

The priority order is:

Spouse/civil partner (receives £322,000 + personal chattels + half the remainder if there are children).

Children (if no spouse, they inherit the whole estate equally).

Parents (if no spouse or children).
Full siblings (if no parents).

Half-siblings (if no full siblings).
Grandparents.

Aunts and uncles (if no grandparents).

Cousins (if no aunts/uncles).

If no relatives, the estate passes to the Crown (bona vacantia).

Question 2

How can intestacy issues be avoided?

Answer 2

Make a valid will to control estate distribution.
Consider setting up trusts for dependents.
If cohabiting, name your partner as a beneficiary in your will.