What happens if I don’t make one?

If you die without making a Will, the laws of intestacy apply. These laws contain strict rules about who is entitled to benefit from your estate and in what proportions. In most cases there are many reasons why we would not want these rules to apply.

It is important to note from this diagram that these rules make no provision for any unmarried partner. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a ‘common law wife/husband’. If you are not married or in a civil partnership, and do not make a Will, your partner (often of many years) will receive nothing.