Dying without a will (intestacy)
Last reviewed 18 August 2026
Where no will is left, the law supplies one of its own — rigid, impersonal, and often at odds with what the deceased would have chosen.
Who inherits under intestacy
The intestacy rules set a fixed order of inheritance. A surviving spouse or civil partner takes first, up to a statutory sum, then shares the remainder with any children. An unmarried partner inherits nothing under these rules, however long the relationship — a hard result that a will exists precisely to prevent.
Why a will is the remedy
Only a valid will lets you decide who inherits, appoint guardians for children, and provide for a partner the intestacy rules would ignore. It is the single most effective step against an unwanted outcome.
Questions
Does my partner inherit if we aren’t married?+
Who applies to administer the estate?+
Sources. GOV.UK, Intestacy — who inherits if someone dies without a will.