UK Intestacy Laws Explained – What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

What Are Intestacy Rules?

Intestacy rules determine how a deceased person’s estate is distributed if they die without a valid will. In the UK, these rules follow a strict legal hierarchy, ensuring that assets go to the closest relatives in a specific order. Unmarried partners, stepchildren, and friends do not automatically inherit anything under intestacy laws.

Who Inherits Under Intestacy Rules?

1. If You Are Married or in a Civil Partnership

✔ If there are no children – The entire estate goes to the surviving spouse or civil partner.
✔ If there are children – The spouse gets:

• The first £322,000 of the estate.
• Half of the remaining estate.
• The other half goes to the children equally.