# What happens if I die without a will in the UK?

> Quick answer · Last updated 22 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-happens-if-i-die-without-a-will-uk/
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## In short

The intestacy rules decide who inherits. In England and Wales, an unmarried partner receives nothing. A spouse with children receives personal items, £322,000, and half of the rest; children share the other half. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules.

Dying without a valid will is called dying 'intestate'. The order of inheritance is fixed by statute and ignores your relationships, wishes or who needs the money. Plain-English overview: [intestacy rules](https://swiftwill.co.uk/intestacy-rules/).

England and Wales: married/civil partner with no children inherits everything. With children, the spouse takes personal possessions, a £322,000 statutory legacy (since July 2023), and half of the residue; children share the other half on reaching 18. Unmarried partners, step-children and friends inherit nothing under intestacy.

Scotland uses 'prior rights' and 'legal rights' (which cannot be disinherited even by a will). Northern Ireland has its own rules. To avoid intestacy on a simple England and Wales estate, [make a will online](https://swiftwill.co.uk/) or instruct a solicitor.

## Related

- [Wills & intestacy](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/wills-and-intestacy/)
- [How to write a will (UK)](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/how-to-write-a-will-uk/)
- [Use the inheritance checker](https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will)

## Primary source

gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.