Rules of Intestacy

  [England & Wales]  

  [Scotland]  

This chart shows you what happens if you die without a Will in Engalnd and Wales.   

 

  If you live in Scotland     
please read this vital supplement

The Law in Scotland is different to the Law in England and Wales.

There are six important differences under Scottish Law:

It is likely that your surviving partner may not end up with the whole of your estate.
Widowed spouses, children and other descendants have "legal rights" - a fixed share of your moveable property (i.e. anything other than land) which they are entitled to claim. ‘No matter what’ your Will says.
In Scotland, anyone over the age of 12 can make a Will.
Your old Will is not invalidated if you get married, legally separated or divorced.
So if your marital situation changes you must review your Will as soon as possible.
Your Will may be invalidated if you have a child after signing the Will and have not dealt with this possibility in the Will.
If you live in Scotland or have a Will made in Scottish form, the Clauses used in your Will are important. We will make sure that the Will is legally correct and that your wishes can be carried out.