No Will? Then you’re letting the law decide

Writing a will is one of the simplest ways to make sure your wishes are followed after you die. It allows you to decide who should benefit from your estate, who will deal with your affairs on your death, and who should look after your children - rather than leaving those decisions to chance.

If you die without a will, known as dying intestate, legal rules decide what happens to your money, property, and possessions. These rules may not reflect your personal circumstances or relationships and can lead to outcomes you would not have wanted at all.

Under the intestacy rules, unmarried partners, stepchildren, close friends, and charities receive nothing, regardless of how close the relationship was. This can cause unexpected financial and emotional strain for those you intended to provide for.

Where children inherit under the intestacy rules, they can become entitled to a significant part of your estate at age 18, with no safeguards in place as to how they manage their funds. This can also mean that a surviving spouse (or civil partner) does not receive sufficient funds to support them comfortably throughout their lifetime.

Without a will, dealing with your estate can take longer, cost more, and place huge additional pressure on your family at an already stressful time. There may also be uncertainty about who should act to manage the estate and what decisions they can make.

A properly drafted will provides clarity, reassurance, and peace of mind. It helps protect your family and friends, reduces the risk of costly disputes, and ensures your affairs are handled in the way you intended.