Intestacy in England & Wales: Why 1 in 11 Families Face Extra Stress After a Death—and How to Avoid It
17 June 2025 /
What Is Intestacy? 🤔
When someone dies without a valid Will, their estate falls under the rules of intestacy.
As a result, the law decides who inherits, not you. In 2023/24, there were 51,136 applications for Letters of Administration in England and Wales.
That’s 9% of all registered deaths—almost 1 in 11 families left to deal with extra stress, delays, and costs.
Why Does Intestacy Matter? 💡
If there’s no Will, your loved ones must apply for a Letter of Administration.
Consequently, this process is slower and more complicated than probate.
The law, not your wishes, decides who gets what.
Families can face paperwork, legal fees, and sometimes disputes.
All of this happens during an already difficult time.
Real-Life Example
Imagine a family who’s just lost a loved one.
There’s no Will.
Instead of focusing on grieving, they must sort out legal documents and wait for months.
As a result, it’s stressful, costly, and can lead to family disagreements.
Why Isn’t the Percentage Higher? 📊
You might expect more estates to face intestacy.
However, there are reasons why the number isn’t higher:
- Older generations are more likely to have a Will. Among over-65s, will-making rates are much higher.
- Not every death needs probate. Some estates are small or held jointly, so assets pass automatically.
- Still, 51,000+ cases is significant. Each case means a family faces avoidable stress.
Who’s Most at Risk of Intestacy? 🚩
Certain groups are more vulnerable. For example:
- Blended families: Stepchildren and unmarried partners may not inherit.
- Unmarried couples: There’s no “common law spouse” for inheritance.
- People with property abroad: Different countries have different rules, so things can get messy.
- Younger adults: Many don’t realise they need a Will until it’s too late.
How Can You Avoid Intestacy? ✅
The good news? Intestacy is preventable! Here’s how you can protect your family:
1. Make a Will ✍️
A Will gives you control. It ensures your wishes are followed.
Don’t rely on DIY templates—get professional advice.
In addition, a professionally prepared Will can help avoid common mistakes.
Don’t rely on DIY templates—get professional advice.
In addition, a professionally prepared Will can help avoid common mistakes.
2. Register Your Will 🗂️
At Beacon Advice, we register your Will for free.
This saves you £30 per person and gives peace of mind.
Furthermore, registration helps your family find your Will when it matters most.
This saves you £30 per person and gives peace of mind.
Furthermore, registration helps your family find your Will when it matters most.
3. Talk to Your Family 🗣️
Let them know where your documents are.
In other words, don’t keep your plans a secret.
Discuss your wishes openly so there are no surprises later.
In other words, don’t keep your plans a secret.
Discuss your wishes openly so there are no surprises later.
4. Review Regularly 🔄
Life changes.
For instance, marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren—all are reasons to review your Will.
As your circumstances evolve, your Will should too.
For instance, marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren—all are reasons to review your Will.
As your circumstances evolve, your Will should too.
Why Choose Beacon Advice? 🌟
We make estate planning simple and personal.
For example:
- Home visits or remote appointments make things easy.
- Fixed fees mean no hidden costs.
- Free Will registration saves you money.
- Our unique Estate Essentials booklet helps you stay organised.
As a result, we help you protect your loved ones and avoid unnecessary stress.
Don’t Leave It to Chance! 🚦
If you haven’t made a Will, or if you’re unsure if it’s up to date, now is the time.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with Beacon Advice.
Or download our Estate Essentials booklet to get started.
Ultimately, a little planning now can save your family a lot of hassle later.
Let’s make sure your wishes are carried out—not left to chance.
Ready to Act? 📞01243 211020
Contact us for a free chat, or share this article with someone who needs a gentle nudge!
Click here to see the 2025 Government Intestacy Flow Chart –
https://www.beaconadvice.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Intestacy-Flow-Chart-2025.pdf
Recent Posts
Over-65s Hold £2.9 Trillion in Property Wealth: How to Protect Your Legacy
By Andrew Upton |
Unlocking Property Wealth for Over-65s 🏡✨ Did you know that over-65s in the UK hold a staggering £2.9 ...
Read More Protecting Your Legacy: Why Secure Document Storage is Essential
By Andrew Upton |
Protecting Your Legacy: Why Secure Document Storage is Essential The Risks of Storing Documents at Home Storing important ...
Read More Understanding the Post-Death Process: A Step-by-Step Guide to Probate and Planning Ahead
By Andrew Upton |
What Happens After Someone Passes Away? A Guide to the Post-Death Process Losing a loved one is one ...
Read More Divorced or Separated? Why Updating Your Will and Beneficiaries Is Crucial in England and Wales
By Andrew Upton |
Life is full of changes – some planned, some unexpected. If you’ve recently gone through a divorce or ...
Read More 🐾 Don’t Forget Your Furry Family Members! 🐾
By Andrew Upton |
🐾 Don't Forget Your Furry Family Members! 🐾 As a nation of animal lovers, it's crucial to consider ...
Read More Ensuring Your Children’s Future: The Importance of Choosing the Right Guardians
By Andrew Upton |
Introduction Imagine the unthinkable: your children losing their parents and facing the uncertainty of who will care for ...
Read More Ready to get in touch?
