By Laura Lyes 

When someone dies without leaving a will, it can make things difficult for those left behind.

Laura Lyes, inheritance and estate planning solicitor at Gloucester-based law firm Tayntons Solicitors explains the problems and introduces the platform she uses to show clients what might happen to their estate without a will in place.

Understanding intestacy

A large proportion of adults still don't have a will in place, even though most of us know that it's important for our families.

When someone dies without a will, referred to as being intestate, their estate will pass to beneficiaries in accordance with the Rules of Intestacy. These rules set out who is entitled to inherit in strict order of preference.

By way of example, if someone is married and has children, then the first £270,00 will pass to their spouse, with the remainder split as to half to the spouse and half shared between the children.

When people don't receive what they expect or believe they should have from an estate, it can cause disputes between family members, which is generally the last thing the deceased would have wanted.

Check what will happen to your estate if you die without a will

Tayntons Solicitors have invested in a tool that shows clients exactly what would happen in their circumstances if they did not have a will. For some, it's a shock.

They may have assumed that their closest family members would be taken care of and that the money they had worked hard all their life to build up would be used to secure their future. However, that isn't always the case. Individuals who have chosen to cohabit but who are not married are realising that their partners will inherit nothing, even if they have been together for decades and have children together.

Others who have a close and loving step-family have discovered that their stepchildren will not inherit either.

The platform is an eye-opener for many, who are finding that the only way to ensure their estate passes in the way they would want is to have a bespoke will drafted, setting out exactly where they want their money and other assets to go.

The opportunity to find out for yourself where your estate will go

If you would like to find out what will happen to your estate if you don't have a will, Tayntons are offering everyone the chance to try the intestacy tool. 

It involves a simple questionnaire that can be completed via desktop, tablet or mobile.

The questionnaire takes only a minute to complete and as soon as your heirs are identified, it will advise you of the results. In a surprising number of cases, the outcome is not what the user was expecting, prompting them to consider exactly what they want to happen to their estate when the time comes.

Making a will

For those who are not happy with where their assets will be going, Tayntons expert Wills solicitors offer a bespoke will drafting service. We can discuss your options with you and put the right will in place to ensure that your loved ones will be provided for in the way that you would want. We can also ensure that your estate is structured in the best way to protect your assets for the future.

We also offer an online wills service for those whose wills are straightforward and who would prefer to deal with the matter via an online platform.

Laura Lyes is a Wills, Trusts and Estates solicitor. She works with clients to ensure their will reflects their wishes and that their estate will be used to benefit their heirs in the most efficient way possible.

If you would like to speak to Laura or try our intestacy tool for yourself, email Tayntons at info@tayntons.co.uk, call on 0800 158 4147 or visit tayntons.co.uk.