Last updated on June 20th, 2018 at 11:24 am

The charity recorded 3,747 queries relating to intestacy in 2015, compared with 1,522 in 2011.  It has also highlighted an increase in the number of enquiries it receives relating to difficulties in carrying out the wishes within a will, with figures rising from 8,160 in 2011 to 11,137 in 2015.

Dying intestate leaves difficulties for family and friends

Graysons’ probate team says “The figures are not at all surprising given that only around two-thirds of people in the UK have not made a will (a recent YouGov survey shows this at around 62%).

If you haven’t made a will, it is so much more difficult, and stressful, for your family and friends to administer your estate when you die, and your assets are unlikely to go where you want them to go.  It can be expensive and take a lot longer than dealing with the estate of a person who leaves clear instructions within a will.  Your beneficiaries may also end up paying far more inheritance tax that they would have if your assets had been properly protected with a will.”

What happens when you die intestate?

If you die without making a will, your estate will be administered in accordance with the strict rules of intestacy – which may not be what you would have wanted.  Your estate could even end up going to the Government!

Without a will, you will not be able to decide who should administer your estate (executors if you do have a will);  you won’t be able to make decisions as to who should look after any dependent children or set up trusts to look after their inheritance, and you won’t be able to control the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries will pay.

You can find out much more about making a will on our web pages.