Who inherits if no will?

If you die without a will in the UK, your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy. This means your assets go to your closest living relatives in a strict order set by law. Typically, your spouse or civil partner inherits first, followed by your children, parents, siblings, and so on. If there are no surviving relatives, your estate may go to the Crown. The law does not consider unmarried partners or stepchildren, so they may receive nothing without a valid will. To ensure your wishes are followed, it’s best to have a legally valid will in place.