If you die without making a Will, then it is said that you have died "Intestate".

In this case, your assets will be distributed in accordance with existing (and somewhat archaic) legislation an order of priority of family members who would benefit from your estate when you die.

Clearly, the Intestacy rules are inflexible and probably not representative of where you wish your monies to end up. For example, these rules could mean that a distant cousin benefited from your estate because they were your sole surviving relative. Worse still and in the event that you have no such surviving relatives, your monies will go to the Crown.

Would you be happy if your Estate was to pass in that way? If not, please refer to our "Making a Will" section.