If a person dies without a valid Will then it is said that they died Intestate and the rules of intestacy will need to be followed to determine who will inherit their estate.

In contrast to a Will, the primary consequences of having an Intestacy are:

• It could affect those who are financially dependent on you while alive.
• Such dependants may not receive what you would wish.
• Personal Representatives are appointed to administer the estate, who you may not wish to do so.
• Intestacy can be costly and time-wasteful in administering your Estate.
• Your children will have no legal guardian appointed and may, at least initially, be taken into care by the Local Authority.
• The Government could claim your property if there is no relative to inherit.
• On marriage any previous Will becomes invalid and a new Will must be made to avoid intestacy.
• The estate can be given to unintended recipients, possible unknown to you such as long lost cousins.
• No provision will be available for unmarried couples

What is a Will?

A Will is a document that enables you to decide who should benefit from your money, property, possessions, and assets after your death.  A Will can also appoint Guardians for minor children and be used for Inheritance Tax planning.  A Will can be written at any stage in life and can be revised or replaced as your circumstances change.  We suggest a review every 5 years or on major life changes.  It must always be correctly written and witnessed to be valid.