What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Wales?

If you die without a will in Wales, your estate is distributed according to intestacy rules set by law. This means your possessions, money and property may not go to the people you would have chosen. A solicitor can help you make a will that protects your family and ensures your wishes are followed.

What Does Dying Intestate Mean?

Dying intestate means passing away without leaving a valid will. In Wales, intestacy rules determine how your estate is shared. The law decides who inherits and in what order regardless of personal circumstances.

Without a valid will, unmarried partners, step-children and close friends are not automatically entitled to inherit. Creating a properly drafted will ensures your wishes are respected.

Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Wales?

If you die intestate, inheritance follows a strict order based on your family situation.

Married or civil partners usually inherit most or all of the estate. Children share what remains equally if there is more than one. If there is no partner or children, the estate passes to parents, siblings or other relatives.

If you have no living relatives, your estate may pass to the Crown. This rarely reflects what most people would have wanted which makes a will essential for peace of mind.

What Are the Risks of Not Making a Will?

Without a will your estate could be divided in a way you never intended. Common problems include:

• Unmarried partners and step-children receiving nothing.

• Family disputes and delays in administering the estate.

• Higher tax liabilities and legal costs.

• Assets passing to distant relatives or the Crown.

Making a will helps you choose your executors, name guardians for children and ensure sentimental items go to the right people.

How Can a Solicitor Help You Make a Will?

A solicitor ensures your will is legally valid, clearly written and reflects your intentions. At RJM Solicitors our Wills and Probate team can:

• Draft or update your will to reflect life changes.

• Advise on inheritance tax planning and asset protection.

• Register and safely store your will.

• Help executors administer estates after death.

Professional advice avoids costly mistakes and gives you confidence that your wishes will be carried out.

Can You Make Your Own Will Without a Solicitor?

It is possible to make your own will, but doing so carries risks. Homemade wills often contain errors or ambiguous language which can make them invalid or lead to disputes.

A solicitor ensures your document meets all legal requirements, is correctly witnessed and covers every necessary detail including digital assets and funeral wishes. Investing in professional advice now saves your family from stress later.

Frequently Asked Will Questions

Can an unmarried partner inherit if there is no will?

No. Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit under intestacy rules even if you lived together for many years. Making a will protects them.

Who handles the estate when there is no will?

A close family member can apply to become an administrator of the estate. The process can be lengthy without legal guidance.

Does the same law apply in England and Wales?

Yes. Intestacy rules are broadly the same across England and Wales. However property ownership and family arrangements can affect how they apply.

What happens to my house if I die without a will?

It depends on how you own it. Solely owned property becomes part of your estate while jointly owned property may pass automatically to the other owner.

Plan Ahead With a Will Today

Planning ahead is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your loved ones. Writing a will ensures your estate is handled exactly as you intend and prevents unnecessary stress for your family.

If you need advice about making a will or dealing with an estate in Wales our team at RJM Solicitors in Merthyr Tydfil is here to help. Call us today on 01685 37 37 21 or email info@rjmsolicitors.co.uk to speak with an experienced Wills and Probate solicitor.