Intestate (Intestacy)

If a person dies without leaving a legal Will, the law says their estate, which includes all property and assets must be shared out according to certain rules.

These are called the rules of intestacy. If you die without leaving a Will you die "intestate". This means that only married couples or civil partners and close relatives can inherit under the rules of intestacy.

If you die without making a Will or the Will is not legally valid, for example it has been incorrectly signed or witnessed, then the rules of intestacy will decide how your estate is to be shared out.

Here is a flow-chart that clarifies the intestacy rules:

Contact a member of our Private Client Team for further information