What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
Here’s a story I’ve heard more than once:
A friend or family member dies suddenly, and everyone assumes they left a Will. But when they start looking, there isn’t one.
What follows is heartbreak layered with confusion, and sometimes arguments, stress, or even people getting left out altogether.
You might think, “I don’t have much, so it doesn’t matter.”
Or, “I’ve told my partner what I want.”
Or, “We’re married — it’ll all go to them anyway.”
But the law doesn’t work like that, and if you don’t have a valid Will in place, what happens next might be very different from what you’d expect.
The reality: You don’t get a say once you’re gone
If you die without a Will, the law decides who inherits your money, possessions, and property — not your family, and certainly not based on your wishes.
These are called the rules of intestacy, and they don’t take personal relationships into account.
Here’s what that can mean:
Unmarried partners get nothing – even if you've lived together for 20 years.
Children may inherit before your partner – which can put them in a tough position.
Family rifts can grow – especially if someone feels unfairly left out.
Stepchildren and close friends are excluded entirely.
I’ve worked with people picking up the pieces after a loved one died without a Will — and I can tell you, it can get complicated, quickly.
Why leave things uncertain?
Writing a Will isn’t just about money or stuff.
It’s about clarity.
It’s about care.
It’s about saying, “I’ve thought about this, so you don’t have to figure it out in the worst moment.”
A Will lets you:
Decide who gets what
Choose guardians for your children
Make sure your partner is looked after
Leave something meaningful to a friend or charity
Help avoid unnecessary delays or legal costs
I make the process as simple as possible
You don’t need to understand legal jargon or figure everything out on your own, that’s where I come in.
I offer Will writing, Will trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney, with in-person appointments across the South West and virtual meetings via secure Zoom links. I’ll talk you through it in plain English and support you at every step.
Drop me a message if you’re ready to put your wishes into writing, so you’re not leaving the people you love with guesswork.