MYTH

“MY SPOUSE WILL INHERIT EVERYTHING WHEN I DIE”

VS

FACT

The idea that a spouse or civil partner will automatically inherit everything if you die is NOT necessarily correct and can vary depending on several factors.

  1. Laws of intestacy: In many jurisdictions, laws of intestacy determine how assets are distributed if someone dies without a will or other estate planning documents. In England and Wales these rules do not always determine everything passes to your surviving spouse.
  2. Joint ownership or beneficiary designations: Certain assets, such as joint bank accounts, jointly owned properties, or assets with designated beneficiaries such as life insurance policies or pension funds may pass directly to the chosen individuals outside of your estate.
  3. Debts and liabilities: In the event of your death, any outstanding debts or liabilities you have may need to be settled using your estate’s assets before distribution.
  4. Pre or postnuptial agreements: If you have created a formal pre or postnuptial agreement at any point, details held within this may determine how assets are to be distributed in the event of one spouse’s death.

HOW CAN WR HELP?

If you have a will or other estate planning documents in place, you have the ability to specify how your assets will be distributed after your death.

Our team of experts can help you with this…

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If you need assistance, more advice on the above or support with any other legal issue, We've Got Your Back

If you have an enquiry, Call us on 01254 67 22 22, email enquiries@watsonramsbottom.com, talk to us via live chat or complete our contact form and one of our experts will contact you.

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