What happens if I die without a Will?

Without a valid Will, your estate is shared out under fixed rules called the intestacy rules. They only look at certain family relationships. Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit, stepchildren do not inherit unless legally adopted, and friends and charities receive nothing. A Will lets you decide who inherits, who deals with your estate and who would look after children under 18.

This is general information about the law in England and Wales, not advice about your circumstances.