Changes to the intestacy rules 26/02/2009

When a person dies intestate, that is without having left a valid will, the intestacy rules will dictate the manner in which the estate is distributed. Since 1st February this year, the amount by which a surviving spouse benefits has in many cases increased. Where the deceased leaves a spouse and children, the spouse now receives the first £250,000 of the estate, all personal goods and chattels and a life interest in half the residuary estate, which will eventually go to the children. The other half goes directly to the children. The distribution of your estate is a choice best left to you, not Parliament. You can arrange this simply, effectively and at a reasonable cost by putting in place a will. Speak to one of our Wills & Probate experts for further advice.

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