It’s easy to put off writing a will. Maybe it feels like something to worry about later, or maybe you think it only applies to people with lots of money. But here’s the truth. More than half of adults in the UK don’t have a will in place. That means a huge number of families could be left in a difficult position during an already emotional time.
If you’re one of those people, you’re not alone. And the good news is, getting started doesn’t have to be complicated or scary.
In this article, we’ll walk through what really happens if you die without a will in the UK and show you simple steps to help you take control of your wishes.
Let’s begin.
What Happens When You Die Without a Will?
In the UK, if someone dies without a valid will, a specific legal process takes place. This is referred to as dying without a will. It means that the law decides what happens to your money, your home, your belongings, and even your children.
Here is how it works:
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The Law Declares You Died Intestate
If you have no valid will, the law simply declares you died intestate. This means you did not specify how to distribute your assets or who should manage your affairs.
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A Family Member Applies to Deal with Your Estate
Someone close to you, like your partner or adult child, needs to apply for a grant of letters of administration. This legal document lets them manage your estate. Without it, they cannot access your bank accounts, sell property, or pay your bills.
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Your Assets Are Frozen
Until you get legal approval, your money and assets are on hold. Your bank accounts are frozen, and it may be harder to manage shared assets. This can make it difficult for your family to pay for funeral expenses and other urgent needs.
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The Estate is Divided By Fixed Legal Rules
Inheritance laws follow a specific order to decide who gets what. If you are married and have children, your spouse receives the first part of your estate, and the rest is shared between them and your kids. If you do not have a spouse or children, your assets will be distributed to your closest family members, such as your parents or siblings.
The main issue is that these laws do not recognise unmarried partners or stepchildren. So even if you have spent many years with someone, they may not inherit anything.
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The Court Decides Guardianship for Children
If you have kids under 18 and haven’t named a guardian in your will, the family court will make that decision for you. The court will choose who will take care of your children based on what it thinks the best.
However, without your guidance, the result may not match your wishes or what is best for your children.
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Debts Are Settled Before Anything Is Shared
When someone passes away, all their unpaid debts or invoices are first paid from their estate. After that, what’s left is shared according to intestacy laws. This process can take months or even longer, depending on the size and complexity of the estate.
All of this can cause pressure and challenges for families during a time when they are already grieving.
How to Write a Will?
You don’t need to be wealthy, and you don’t have to hire an expensive lawyer. In the UK, you can write a will in different ways. You can do the following:
- Hire a solicitor
- Use a professional will-writing service
- Go with an online platform
The key is to make sure your will is legally valid and is kept safe.
For most people, the process can be done in just a couple of hours. It’s a small step that gives you a lot of peace of mind.
Where to Start If You Are Not Sure?
Making a will can seem harsh, but it starts with a simple step. Firstly, please write down your belongings and say who you want to give them to. If you have children, consider who you want to entrust with their care. Once you’ve written down what matters most to you, it’s perfectly okay to reach out for support. Whether it’s a family member or a professional, having someone help you organise it all can make a big difference.
And if you’re unsure where to begin, Finli is one option worth looking into. They offer friendly, UK-based guidance around will writing, estate planning, and sorting out your finances in a way that feels manageable.
Conclusion
Not having a will might not feel like a big deal right now, but it can cause real stress for the people you care about later. If you die without one, the law decides who gets what and who looks after your kids. And that might not be what you would have wanted.
Making a will is not just about money. It is about making things clear and simple for your loved ones. It shows you have thought about them. The good news is, it is easier than most people think and does not take much time to sort out.
If you’ve been planning to take care of this, consider it as a reminder. A will isn’t just for later in life. It’s for now, for your loved ones, and for the future you want for them.