Dying without a Will is not heaven for those left behind!

How do you want to be remembered? For the many great things you have achieved over your lifetime? Or for sparking a dramatic family feud by dying without leaving instructions for the distribution of your estate?! The process of dying without a Will, legally known as ‘dying intestate’, means that the person’s assets are divided up by the state. Even if the courts choose the people you would have chosen to do the splitting up of your assets, wealth distribution is immensely complicated and your estate could take years to sort out.  There are also major cost implications of the state being your executors! Dying intestate becomes particularly fraught for today’s modern family structures, such as those with stepchildren, or for cohabiting couples. If an unmarried person dies, the surviving partner has no right to inherit their assets, regardless of how long they have been in a relationship. It may be archaic, but even if you have been living together for decades, without a Will your partner will not be entitled to a thing if you pass away intestate. Instead, your possessions and assets will transfer to your legal next of kin, including any children, siblings or parents. It’s also worth considering that the probate process for international families can be immensely complicated, involving assets and tax liabilities in numerous countries that must be intricately untangled to avoid excess tax liabilities. If any of the above applies to you, let’s talk about your personal circumstances in confidence. You can call me on +44 7831 379562 (UK) or +34  622 374 738 (Spain), or email me at help@sallyherdman.com