How have intestacy rules changed?

On the 5 July 2023, the government passed The Administration of Estates Act 1925 (Fixed Net Sum) Order 2023.  If you die without a will (known as dying intestate), the law states how your estate will be divided amongst your surviving family.

Currently if you die leaving a spouse/civil partner and children, your spouse/civil partner receives a legacy of £270,000 plus the personal chattels.  The remaining estate is divided so the spouse/civil partner receives 50% and the children share 50% (in equal shares if there is more than one child).

This order increases the legacy to the spouse/civil partner to £322,000 for all deaths on or after 26 July 2023.

If you have any questions related to the rules that apply if someone dies without a will, you can find more information here, or please get in touch with one of our expert Probate team.