What happens if you die without a will?
Despite the risks of dying without a Will (referred to as dying intestate), 60% of the population are still not putting their affairs in order before it’s too late to do so. Wills are not just for those of advancing years, while the truth may be uncomfortable to consider, we are all vulnerable to accident or disease on any given day.
Drafting a Will is important to ensure your wishes are carried out after your death, and for family members who will be coming to terms with your departure, the stress and anxiety of fighting for inheritance will be alleviated.
Why should you draft a Will?
Wills are not solely focused on how the family estate will be apportioned, although this is a key reason to write a Will, other important information is laid out including:
- Chosen Executors, Trustees, and Guardians
- Any additions or amendments to statutory administration provisions
- Wishes regarding whether you wish to be buried or cremated and your funeral arrangements
- Details of non-family members who will be left money or items
- Arrangements for the continuation of Trusts, annuities, and legacies
Wills are also used to structure the Testator's estate in a tax-efficient manner and reduce Inheritance Tax.
Without a Will, the rule of Intestacy will apply
The primary reason to draft a Will, however, is to avoid dying intestate; a situation whereby the decisions regarding what happens to your estate are made for you by predefined rules – the Rules of Intestacy. These rules define the order in which family will benefit from the estate of the deceased individual; spouses/civil partners, children/grandchildren, parents, siblings, grandparents, then uncles and aunties. Under the Rules, if there are children involved, the first £250,000 of an estate will transfer to the spouse/civil partner, plus half of the remainder – with the children receiving the other half of the residual estate.
It is natural to assume that after death, your family will act fairly and cooperatively in respect of inheritance. Unfortunately, not having a Will to refer to can lead to family discord. Wills are highly beneficial because they make your wishes clear, thereby removing the potential for arguments following your death. Also, without a Will, part of your estate may pass to family members with who you have little involvement or who you would expressly not wish to receive part of your estate.
Other advantages of a Will
As if avoiding your estate passing into the control of people not of your choosing was not enough, Wills offer the individual the chance to define other wishes after death. Examples include;
- Selecting guardians for your children
- Deciding who will receive your pet/s
- What will happen to much-treasured family heirlooms
If you had planned to pass part of your estate to persons outside of your family, including, cohabitants or unmarried partners, ex-spouses or civil partners, step-parents or stepchildren, or friends, you will need to draft a Will, as, under the Rules of Intestacy, none of these individuals would receive a penny.
Validity is vital to ensure your wishes are carried out
There is a common belief that any Will is valid as it expresses the wishes of the individual, but there are firm rules regarding what constitutes validity in this context. For a Will to be deemed valid, it must be made:
- in writing,
- by a person with testamentary capacity (meaning they are over 18, and they fully understand what is written within the Will),
- voluntarily without any undue influence, and
- signed in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign the document
It is recommended that your Will should be reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects your current life situation and wishes. Major life events may effectively render your Will invalid; for example, if you get married.
Final Words
Given only 40% of the population have a Will, many millions of people are at risk of leaving behind a legacy of confusion and disagreement. An experienced solicitor who specialises in Wills and probate matters will not only ensure your Will is valid and encompasses all of the considerations needed (including many you may never have thought about), they will remain in a position to advise you as your life progresses. While you won’t benefit from a writing a Will yourself, you can rest assured that your affairs will be handled according to your wishes, and you have done all you have to protect your legacy once you are gone. It is also important to plan ahead for what happens should you not have the capacity to make decisions, and a power of attorney lawyer would be beneficial.
It is also important to plan ahead for what happens should you not have the capacity to make decisions, and a power of attorney lawyer would be beneficial.
Please note, this article does not constitute legal advice.
Guillaumes LLP Solicitors is a full-service law firm based in Weybridge, Surrey. Our will and probate lawyers are highly experienced and can assist you with all matters relating to the drafting or execution of a will. To make an appointment, please call us on 01932 840 111.