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Intestacy Flow Charts

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?

Clear, visual guidance to help you understand the rules. If someone dies without a valid Will, known as intestacy, the law decides who inherits their estate. Our flow charts provide a simple way to understand how intestacy rules apply and what this could mean for your family. Whether you’re considering Wills, estate planning or Probate, understanding intestacy is an important first step.
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Intestacy Flow Charts

Intestacy Rules Explained (England & Wales)

In England and Wales, if you die without a Will, your estate is distributed according to a strict legal order.

This usually means your estate passes to your closest living relatives. However, this may not reflect your wishes.

For example:

  • Unmarried partners are not automatically entitled to inherit
  • Stepchildren do not have a legal right to your estate
  • Family members you may wish to benefit could be excluded

 

Understanding these rules highlights why making a Will is so important.

 

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Our flow charts clearly illustrate who may inherit in different situations, helping you quickly understand how the law applies.

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