Possible Reforms to Intestacy Rules

Firstly we should mention that we are not solicitors and therefore you should seek professional advice (e.g. a solicitor) before making a will.

What we did want to report on, however, is that the Ministry of Justice is proposing some changes to the intestacy rules governing England and Wales. The changes would affect the scenario in which a person with no children dies leaving no valid will. Currently the surviving spouse or civil partner receives the personal possessions, £450k and half of anything over that amount, with the remaining half going to the parents, or to siblings if there are no living parents, or the siblings’ offspring if the deceased’s siblings are also deceased.  The proposed new rules would instead mean that the surviving spouse or civil partner would inherit the whole estate.

But that is only if the deceased has no children. If they have children then other rules currently apply and changes are being suggested in relation to those too. Read more