Will my dead husband’s children from a previous marriage inherit my Estate if I die without making a Will? I have no children and no living relatives.
Should you die without making a Will then your assets would pass in accordance with the Intestacy Rules.
If your husband was still alive then he would inherit the first £250,000 of your Estate if you have surviving children and £450,000 if you do not, which could, in turn, make its way to his children from a previous marriage in the event of his subsequent death.
On the basis that he has predeceased you then your assets will pass in accordance with the remainder of the Intestacy Rules.
Should you have no living relatives whatsoever then your Estate would pass to the Crown. If you are single or widowed, have no living relatives to include parents, children, brothers, sisters, half-brothers or half-sisters, nephews or nieces, then there is a great risk that your Estate will pass to the Crown.
It is, therefore, essential that you make a Will – even if it is to leave your assets to Charity, or your close or good friends.
* Emyr Pierce is Managing Director of Emyr Pierce Solicitors in Rhiwbina, Cardiff, Western Mail Conveyancer of the Year, specialising in Domestic and Commercial Property. Contact www.emyrpierce.co.uk or email law@emyrpierce.co.uk