Dying without a will means the law — not you — decides who gets what. Unmarried partners get nothing automatically. Here's what intestacy really means, and why a simple will costs less than most people expect.
If you die without a will, your estate is divided according to the rules of intestacy — a fixed legal formula that takes no account of your wishes, your promises or your family's circumstances.
The rule that surprises people most: unmarried partners inherit nothing under intestacy, no matter how long you've lived together. If you own a home together or have children, that can create serious problems at the worst possible time.
A will also lets you choose your executors — the people who'll actually sort things out — appoint guardians for young children, and make specific gifts. Without one, those decisions are made by the rules or, sometimes, by a court.
For many people a will is simpler and cheaper than they imagine. A straightforward will can often be prepared in one or two meetings, and it should be reviewed whenever life changes: marriage, divorce, children, a house purchase or a bereavement.
A will drafted properly also avoids the ambiguities that fuel family disputes. Clear wording now is far cheaper than litigation later.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different — for advice on yours, speak to a solicitor.
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