Glossary · General
Intestate
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Definition: Dying without a valid will. The intestacy rules — not the deceased — decide who inherits.
In England and Wales, intestacy gives the spouse / civil partner the personal possessions, a £322,000 statutory legacy and half of any residue, with children sharing the other half. Unmarried partners inherit nothing under intestacy.
Scotland uses 'prior rights' for the spouse and 'legal rights' that cannot be disinherited. Northern Ireland has its own statutory order. A small estate may be administered without probate but the intestacy rules still apply.
Primary source: gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will