What is intestacy?

Intestacy is the legal term for dying without a valid will. When this happens, your estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules of England and Wales - a fixed legal formula that determines who inherits based on your family relationships.

The intestacy rules follow a strict hierarchy: spouse/civil partner first (but not unmarried partners), then children, then parents, then siblings, and so on. The exact amounts depend on the size of your estate and who survives you.

Intestacy rules were designed decades ago for traditional families and don't reflect modern life. They don't account for unmarried partners, stepchildren, close friends, or charitable wishes. This is why making a will is essential - it's the only way to override intestacy rules and ensure your wishes are followed.