What happens if you die without a Will?

Intestacy

Understanding Intestacy and Why it Matters?

Intestacy explained...

What is Intestacy?

When someone dies without a valid Will, they are considered to have died intestate. This means their estate is distributed according to the

Laws of Intestacy, which are fixed legal rules. These rules do not take your personal wishes, relationships or family circumstances into account, and this can result in outcomes you never intended.


At Just Wills and Legal Services, we help you avoid the uncertainty of intestacy by making sure your wishes are clearly recorded and legally protected.

What are the risks of intestacy?

If you die without a Will:

  • Your partner may receive nothing if you are not married or in a civil partnership

  • Children from a previous relationship may be excluded

  • The courts will decide who cares for your children

  • Estranged or distant relatives could inherit ahead of close friends or carers

  • Charities and chosen causes will not receive anything

  • Family disputes, legal delays and added stress are more likely

    Without a Will, you have no say in what happens to your estate. A properly written Will gives you control and protects the people you care about most.

How the estate is divided under intestacy

The law follows a strict order of priority:

  • If you are married or in a civil partnership, your spouse may inherit everything, leaving nothing for your children

  • Unmarried partners have no automatic rights

  • If you have no close relatives, your estate could pass to the Crown

This system does not account for blended families, long-term partners or personal preferences.

Why having a Will matters

Creating a Will allows you to:

  • Choose who inherits your money, property and possessions

  • Appoint guardians for your children

  • Provide for stepchildren or vulnerable family members

  • Leave specific gifts to friends, carers or charities

  • Plan to reduce inheritance tax

  • Prevent confusion and reduce stress for your loved ones

Take control of your estate

At Just Wills and Legal Services, we help you make a Will that reflects your wishes and protects your family. Whether your needs are simple or complex, our friendly and experienced team is here to help.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Say About Us

Yulia was very professional and efficient and I was very happy with the service provided. Would highly recommend their services and costs were competitive.

John Parsons-Dorman

Nicola was outstanding in helping us with our will. He was professional, friendly, and incredibly flexible, coming to our location whether it was home or work. Even when we had to make last-minute changes, he was accommodating and efficient. Plus, his friendly and presentable demeanour made the process smooth and pleasant.

Kassim

Excellent and professional service from the lovely Natalie.Came to our house and the whole process was easy from beginning to end.

Claire Abel

Just Wills and Legal Services has been helping families plan for the future since 2013. With over 100,000 clients served, our experienced team provides trusted guidance in Wills, estate planning, and probate. We are proud members of the Society of Will Writers and uphold the highest professional standards.

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Location: The Hive 7A Bulrushes Bulrushes Business Park, Coombe Hill Road, East Grinstead England RH19 4LZ

Phone: 01342 477102

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