UK Estate-Planning Answers

A will is the only document that lets you decide who inherits your estate. Without one, the UK intestacy rules decide for you. Start here for the basics.

If you die without a will in the UK, your estate is distributed under the intestacy rules in the Administration of Estates Act 1925. The rules favour blood relatives in a fixed order — unmarried partners and stepchildren get nothing.

Probate is the legal authority to administer a deceased person's estate. It is required when the deceased held assets in sole name above the institutional threshold, or owned property.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is charged at 40% on estates above the nil-rate band. Each person has a £325,000 nil-rate band plus a £175,000 residence nil-rate band, both frozen until April 2030. Married couples can transfer unused allowance.

UK intestacy rules give unmarried partners zero automatic inheritance. A will is the only document that creates inheritance rights between cohabiting partners — no matter how long you've been together.

The executor is the person you name to administer your estate after death. They collect assets, pay debts and IHT, apply for probate if needed, and distribute the estate to beneficiaries.

A beneficiary is anyone — or any entity — who receives something from your estate. You can name people, charities, trusts, or organisations. Witnesses cannot inherit under the will they witnessed.

An online UK will is legally valid if it complies with the Wills Act 1837 — proper drafting, capacity, and signing in front of two independent adult witnesses. The format (typed vs handwritten, online vs printed) is irrelevant in law.