The essentials

• In England and Wales, if someone dies without a valid Will (intestate), the law dictates how their assets are distributed
• The order of inheritance typically starts with the spouse, then children, then other close relatives
• The specific rules are complex and depend on the family structure, but generally, a surviving spouse will inherit everything if there are no children
• If there are children, the spouse may receive a certain amount and a portion of the remaining estate, with the rest divided among the children
• Partners (not married) have no legal entitlement under the Rules of Intestacy

More to think about

HMRC have a useful tool to find out who is entitled to a share of someone’s money, property and possessions if they die – see the link below.