Dying without a will - the facts
When a will hasn’t been made there are often difficulties faced by those left behind - especially with family situations becoming increasingly complicated. The question of ‘who gets what’ can lead to convoluted and expensive legal disputes.
If you die without a will the law decides how your estate is distributed:
- Partners and children do not automatically receive your estate
- Close relatives may have a claim on the estate - including the family home
- If you leave no surviving relatives, everything could well pass to the State.
Even if you don’t have a family, you will still want to ensure that your possessions go where you wish - perhaps to friends or causes you support.
Dying without an up-to-date will
If you don’t keep your will up-to-date it might not still accurately reflect your wishes.
Any changes in your life - a new grandchild, marriage, registered civil partnership, divorce or a windfall - may mean you need to update your will.
Changes directly onto your will can invalidate the whole document.
We strongly recommend that you consult a solicitor. They may amend your existing will with a simple addition known as a codicil or draft you a new one. Check the advice on our Simple guide /Simple explanation of legal terms.
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