Peter Roberts would like to bring your attention to a change to intestacy law recently announced by the government, which has increased the sum of money that spouses and civil partners of people who die without having made a will are entitled to receive.

The change has been introduced via a statutory instrument – the Administration of Estates Act 1925 (Fixed Net Sum) Order 2020 – which came into force on 6 February. It means that the statutory legacy entitlement for a surviving spouse or civil partner has risen from £250,000 to £270,000.

It is important to remember that, under current intestacy laws, there is no provision for unmarried partners, or partners who are not in a civil partnership to inherit. Writing a will is essential to ensure your estate is handled in the way you desire.

If you need expert advice on all aspects of inheritance law and will drafting, we can help. Contact Peter on 01254 77 81 27, or alternatively complete our Contact Us form and one of our expert advisors will be in touch.