Intestacy

Below is a selection of our most recent updates on this subject.

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The Estates Of Deceased Persons Act 2011 Comes Into Force On 1 February 2012

The Act amends the law of succession in England and Wales as it applies when a person disclaims an inheritance or is disqualified from receiving an inheritance, for example under the rule of forfeiture.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Reform Of Succession Law In England And Wales

The Law Commission has published two draft Bills to amend the law of intestacy in England & Wales, in particular to give some cohabitants the right to claim their deceased partner's estate and to increase the rights of surviving spouses.
Thursday, January 05, 2012

Delay In The Reform Of The Rights Of Cohabitants On Intestacy

Government has confirmed they have no immediate plans to amend the intestacy law as it applies to co-habitants
Monday, September 19, 2011

Perils Of Intestacy -V- Perils Of Bad Advice On Wills

The Court ruling in Ahmad v Akhtar (2010) illustrates the difficulties facing a surviving spouse following the intestate death of her husband, whilst the competence of Will writing services is questioned by the OFT.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Statutory Legacy

Increase in the statutory legacy
Monday, February 09, 2009

Statutory Legacy Levels Increased

Following consultation the government has increased the statutory legacies
Monday, September 01, 2008

New Rights For Co-Habitants In Scotland

The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 came into force on 4 May 2006. Amongst other provisions it introduces entirely new rights for co-habitants
Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Scottish Common Law Marriage Abolished

The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 came into force on 4 May 2006. Amongst other provisions it has brought the abolition of marriage by cohabitation with habit and repute
Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Prior Rights Limits In Scotland Increased From 1 June 2005

Prior rights limits increased from 1 June 2005. This will help to cater for the substantial rise in the price of property over the six years since the last revision.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005

'Administration Of Estates - Review Of The Statutory Legacy' Department For Constitutional Affairs Consultation Document

Under the current intestacy rules, if a person dies without a valid Will in England or Wales then a surviving spouse will receive the first £125,000 [the statutory legacy] from an estate where the deceased leaves children, and £200,000 if there are no children but there are parents or siblings - Administration of Estates Act 1952 as amended. Today's consultation paper from the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) provisionally proposes that these levels be increased to £350,000 and £650,000 respectively.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005

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