Posted 23rd April 2020
The amount a surviving spouse or civil partner inherits under the England and Wales intestacy rules (when there are children/issue) has been increased. The intestacy rules are applied if the person dies without a valid will in place.
Previously, where there were ‘issue’ (i.e. lineal descendants), the spouse or civil partner was entitled to receive £250,000, plus personal chattels and half the balance of the estate absolutely. The remaining estate was directed to towards the children/issue.
With effect from 6 February 2020 the entitlement of £250,000 has been increased to £270,000.