Dying without a will

[Overtherainbow]

If a husband dies without a will does all of the couples assets pass to the wife? Can any of his children from a previous marriage make a claim on those assets/money etc? TIA

[atticus]

Tia, there are rules which apply when someone dies intestate. The surving spouse receives a statutory legacy, presently £270,000. Ifthere is a surplus, that is divided as to one half to the spouse and the other half divided between the children of the deceased.

That is the simplified version. You should make a will to set out your wishes.

[sederunt]

The statutory legacy has been recently upped to £322,000.

[Overtherainbow]

Many thanks to you both. Can I just ask what would happen if your assets don’t come to this amount?