New rules are now in place that change the way in which relatives inherit assets from someone who has died without a Will.
Unmarried Couples
There is still no provision for ‘common law’ partners – even those who have children with the deceased. The only way non married partners can inherit each other’s Estate is to make a Will.
Married couples / civil partners with NO children
Married spouses are now entitled to the whole Estate if their husband/wife dies without a Will and they have no children.
Married couples / civil partners WITH children
The surviving spouse receives the first £250,000 of the Estate and any personal belongings. They are then entitled to 50% of the rest of the Estate - the remaining 50% goes to the deceased’s children.
Adopted Children
A child of the deceased will inherit even if they are subsequently adopted. Previously there was a risk that they would not.
If a person has no surviving children or direct descendants
The estate will be inherited in this order:
- Parents
- Whole blood brothers and sisters, or their children if they have not survived
- Half blood brothers and sisters, or their children if there is no surviving parent
- Grandparents
- Whole blood uncles and aunts, or their children
- Half-blood uncles and aunts, or their children
- The crown
Do you have a will?
Writing a will ensures that the people you would like to benefit actually do so. Find out more about Wills here.
Give us a call to discuss how we can help you put one in place.
Call us on 0161 476 8276 or email hello@hallidays.co.uk
Reviewed 12th December 2018