Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will?

If someone dies without a valid Will in the UK, their estate is distributed under the Rules of Intestacy. This is commonly referred to as dying intestate.

The Rules of Intestacy UK are strict legal guidelines that determine exactly who inherits if there is no Will — regardless of personal wishes, verbal promises, or family expectations.

Who Are the Legal Heirs Under Intestacy?

The estate is distributed in a fixed order of priority:

• Spouse or civil partner

• Children (including legally adopted children)

• Grandchildren (if a child has already passed away)

• Parents

• Brothers and sisters

• Half-brothers and half-sisters

• Grandparents

• Aunts and uncles

• Half-aunts and half-uncles

If no eligible relatives can be located, the estate passes to the Crown.

Important Things to Know

• Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit under intestacy law — no matter how long you lived together.

• Stepchildren do not inherit unless legally adopted.

• The way assets are divided depends on the value of the estate and surviving relatives.

Because the Rules of Intestacy are rigid, the outcome may not reflect what your loved one would have wanted.

Unsure where you stand?

Contact Greenough Legal Services today for clear advice on your legal entitlement and what steps to take next.