You will have died intestate and the law will determine who inherits your estate. 

 

 

If you are married or in a civil partnership and have no children your spouse/civil partner will inherit your entire estate. 

 

If you have children your spouse/civil partner will inherit the first £322,000.00 of your estate, your personal belongings and half of what remains. Your children will share the remaining half. 

 

 

Your partner will not inherit anything. Your children will inherit the entire estate. 

 

If there are no children the estate will pass to other living relatives, such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. 

 

If there are no surviving relatives your estate will pass to the Crown. 

 

 

You should make a Will if you have children, if you are unmarried, if you are getting married, getting divorced or own a property or other assets. 

 

You can then ensure that your estate passes to the beneficiaries of your own choosing. You can also appoint guardians in the Will to look after your children in the event of your death. 

 

Other provisions you can make are to leave specific gifts or a sum of money to certain individuals, make provision for the care of pets and include funeral wishes. 

 

It is never too soon to make a Will and it can be updated as and when necessary. A Will can make it easier for those left behind to carry out our wishes and help avoid family disputes. 

 

A professionally drafted Will can give you peace of mind and unless it is a complex will dealing with substantial asset, business interests or properties abroad a Will can be much less expensive than you might think. 

 

 

Email diane@dsmlegal.co.uk with your contact details and the best time to call you, or telephone us on 01925 937070.