If you die without a valid Will, your estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy rather than according to your own wishes. These rules follow a fixed order of who inherits, regardless of what you would have actually wanted.
Only certain relatives — a spouse, civil partner or children — can inherit under intestacy. Unmarried partners and close friends receive nothing, however long the relationship, and stepchildren are not automatically included either.
Writing a Will is the only way to make sure your estate goes to the people you choose, in the proportions you choose.
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