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Intestacy

What Happens When There Is No Will?

When you die without leaving a valid Will, there are strict rules in place known as the ‘Intestacy Rules’ which decide how your estate is divided. The rules have no regard for your previous relationships with those people, which can mean your estate passes to an estranged family member.

The only way to truly guarantee that your estate is given to whom you wish is to write a Will. Our specialist team at Banner Jones can guide you through the different types of Wills so that we prepare the right one to suit your circumstances. Families can be complex and it’s important to have a Will written that reflects your wishes properly.

For more information or to make an appointment please call 03300176309.

We can help with your Will

Want to know more?

Wills and Planning for the Inevitable

What Happens if I Don't Have a Will?

Why Should I Use A Solicitor To Make A Will?

10 Reasons Why You Need a Will

See all resources for Intestacy

Mr B came to make a Will even though he is not married and has no children. He has just purchased a property in his sole name therefore has decided to make a Will. He did this because he was aware that if he died without having made a Will, his estate would pass to his biological father under the intestacy rules. Mr B has no relationship with his biological father, his mother has already passed away and therefore he does not wish his father to inherit anything from him. By making a Will Mr B has now ensured that his assets/estate will pass to whom he wants to benefit.

By leaving a valid Will that says clearly who should get your property and money when you die, you can prevent unnecessary distress at an already difficult time for your family or friends. We’ve seen unmarried parents have to sue their own children to get a share of their partner’s estate when their partner dies, simply because the law states that in this situation the children get everything.

The word ‘valid’ is the key here as someone may think they are covered as they’ve written a Will at home, but if it has not been witnessed properly for example then it will be deemed invalid and the intestacy rules will still then apply.

Thank you Jenna for all your help.
Ms J, Chesterfield

Professionalism with friendliness and in layman's language. Thanks for the super service

Mr & Mrs M, Wingerworth

I am very satisfied with the service Banner Jones have provided me with.
Mrs S, Chesterfield

It was a pleasure meeting and dealing with Becky Cardinal at your Mansfield office. It all went very smoothly. Thank you.
Mr & Mrs N, Boughton

I recieved excellent service from Katie Woodward when I made my Will - Excellent advice & caring nature.
Mrs C, Mansfield

I was really happy with the service I recieved, especially from Katie Woodward. Many thanks.
Mrs E, Chesterfield

We were completely satisfied with the professional and efficient service that we received.
Mr & Mrs K, Wingerworth

Excellent company to deal with, excellent service with helpful personell and most of all, excellent proffessional advice all made very clear and understanding for myself. Thank you ever so much Katie.
Mr & Mrs W, Bakewell

A very efficient and professional service with regards to making my will. Having a home visit made this much easier to deal with and I would recommend this service if you are less mobile
Mrs S, Brimington

Katie was fantastic, I will definitley recommend to family and friends. I will not hesitate to use your services again.
Mr & Mrs B, Sheffield

I have had many dealings with Banner Jones in the past an they have never failed to meet my expectations. In my latest dealings for making myself a Will, Katie Woodward offered exceptional service. I would highly recommend. Thank you.
Mr H, Chesterfield

Excellent service throughout, I would certainly recommend you to others
Mr M, Sheffield

Katie Woodward was very helpful and gave a good service, thanks a lot.
Mrs B, Mansfield

I can recommend this service. Katie Woodward was personable, efficient and professional. She was particularly knowledgeable and thorough. Her diligence and flexibility was brilliant for my needs. Thanks very much.
Mr E, Chesterfield

I was very happy with the prompt and friendly service provided by Katie Woodward. I would certainly recommend Banner Jones.
Mr A, Chesterfield

Would highly recommend Banner Jones for any legal matter. My mum and I dealt with Katie Woodward and Jenna Hadfield at the Chesterfield office and we cannot thank them enough for not only their excellent help, professionalism and efficiency in dealing with all the paperwork etc. but also their friendly and kind manners which went a long way in making the whole process s much easier for us.
Miss W, Chesterfield

Jenna was very helpful, understanding and provided me with the information required. Many thanks!
Ms W, Burton Upon Trent

I was accommodated with a short notice appointment as I was going on holiday. The information needed was taken the same day and concluded before my holiday. Signed, sealed and sorted. Katie Woodward was very professional, informative and friendly. Job well done.
Mrs C, Chesterfield

We wish to thank Katie Woodward for her incredible assistance in guiding us and explaining the process of our Wills and LPA'S.
Mr & Mrs S, Chesterfield

I am a 93 year old lady, and I was treated as if I was family. Caring and helpful in explaining everything to my dull brain. Thank you.
Mrs F, Old Whittington

I was treated in an astoundingly friendly manner at all times, and would recommend your company and staff wholeheartedly.
Mrs W, Forest Town

Great service. Banner Jones' approach to the making of our Wills was both simple and straight forward.
Mr & Mrs C, Sheffield

From the minute you walk into reception you are put at ease, and this continues right through the chain. Would recommend them any time.
Mr G, Chesterfield

I can’t thank Banner Jones enough for the kindness and patience, and would highly recommend this firm.
Mrs S, Chesterfield

After worrying about making a Will, I was soon put at ease by Katie Woodward as she explained things to me from a legal point of view.
Mrs N, Chesterfield

All our wishes were sorted by the solicitor with no problems, and in an easy and understandable way. Have already recommended Banner Jones to family and friends.
Mr & Mrs W, Grassmoor

Excellent service. Professionally done.
Mr S, Brimington

Excellent company. Highly satisfied.
Mrs H, Ashgate

Exceptional service; professional but friendly. Felt at ease and relaxed when given explanation of the matter being dealt with at a very sad time.
Mrs L, New Tupton

Friendly, sensitive, thorough. They took a huge weight off our shoulders.
Mr & Mrs L, Calow

We had Wills drawn by a different solicitor’s firm who left us confused and anxious. By contrast, the solicitor was patient, helpful, clear and gave us good advice. Thank you for an excellent service. We recommend Banner Jones highly for Will writing.
Mr & Mrs G, Old Tupton

Excellent service, prompt and courteous. It gave us peace of mind.
Mr & Mrs S, Mansfield

Excellent customer service. Prompt and efficient. I found Katie to be kind and considerate during our meetings.
Mr & Mrs H, Hasland

We used Banner Jones at Chesterfield for two separate activities recently. Firstly, conveyancing for selling & buying property. It must be tough managing timings of sale/purchase, but they did very well for us. Secondly, production of our Wills. One or two things were complex, but the advice we got was helpful. We will, if necessary, use Banner Jones again & will also recommend them.
Mr & Mrs N, Dore

The young lady was so friendly and helpful, and made me feel comfortable – which is a rare thing these days
Mrs T, Sutton In Ashfield

Prompt, friendly and professional service – we would recommend.
Mr O & Dr T, Upper Langwith

Excellent service given from a knowledgeable, friendly person.
Mr & Mrs H, Old Tupton

Very helpful and pleasant. She was very professional, and answered all my queries. I would have no hesitation for asking for her assistance if ever I need a solicitor in the future.
Mrs R, New Whittington

Being left on my own to make another Will was hard for me, but it was made easier by the staff of Banner Jones. It was dealt with quickly, sympathetically and was able to help Ashgate Hospice.
Mrs S, Newbold

To deal with people you trust and feel comfortable with is so important when dealing with sensitive legal matters.
Mr W, Heather Vale

Professional and efficient service. My solicitor who has made a stressful situation much more bearable. She was very helpful and a delight to talk to.
Mrs H, Clowne

Excellent service, friendly and professional. I could not have asked for better.
Mrs M, Grangewood

Excellent service from start to finish at a very difficult time.
Ms D, Danesmoor

Very helpful and friendly. Everything was explained in a way that made it easier to understand.
Mr & Mrs M, Dronfield

Clear, precise, friendly information on the issues we had. Will use Banner Jones for any future legal advice and issues.
Mr & Mrs M, Chesterfield

Very happy with services offered by professional people.
Mr & Mrs H, Mansfield

I would give you 10/10. Very good.
Mrs P, Bolsover

May I take the opportunity to thank you for your prompt action in the matter of making my Will.
Mr C, Wingerworth

Thank you for helping me prepare my Will. I thought it may be a daunting experience, but I was given great advice by Becky. I think it is also a fantastic idea to donate to the John Eastwood Hospice.
Mr S, Forest Town

Everything was dealt with efficiently.
Mr & Mrs J, Glapwell

Thank you for dealing with everything in a professional, pleasant and friendly manner.
Mrs R, Mansfield

The receptionist staff on both days we visited your office were extremely friendly and the whole experience of dealing with Banner Jones was wonderful
T Howard

Amy was very helpful and friendly, and she explained the process for making our Wills in a way that was very easy to understand.
Mr & Mrs B, Bolsover

Very friendly experience with clear and uncomplicated explanations, giving us confidence in the professional service.
Mr & Mrs L, Grindleford

A very friendly and helpful service from start to finish.
Mrs C, Shiregreen

I found Natalie very courteous, and she has a lovely disposition. She’s very easy to talk to.
Mr L, Chesterfield

The service I received couldn't have been better!
Mrs C, Chesterfield

Your sensitivity on your home visit to deal with Mum’s Will was absolutely brilliant.
Mr & Mrs J, Barlow

Excellent service – friendly staff explained everything to me in ways that I could understand.
Mrs C, Bolsover

My Will was drawn up speedily and expressed my wishes precisely. Miss Fowlston was pleasant, helpful and produced exactly what I wished for.
Mr S, Brimington Common

All my requests were dealt with efficiently and with respect for my situation, after my recent loss.
Mrs B, Morton

Our experience with Banner Jones was friendly and efficient.
Mr & Mrs H, Brockwell

We were very happy with the service we received, we would definitely recommend.
Mr & Mrs W, Shuttlewood

Put everything in black and white and Banner Jones “Will” see you right.
Mrs W, Shuttlewood

A very prompt and helpful group of lawyers. First class service.
Mrs T, Tuxford

We found Banner Jones to be very friendly. They directed us through all the necessary channels. And were extremely helpful, putting my husband and myself at ease at such a sad, stressful time. A big thank you.
Mr & Mrs T, Stretton

Thank you for everything you did to help us through a difficult time.
Mr M, Mansfield

Everything in plain English.
Mr & Mrs S, Crookes

Very prompt & efficient service provided, meeting a tight schedule.
Mr C, Mansfield

Thank you for your excellent service, prompt attention and being kept up to date.
Mrs P, Old Whittington

For ourselves – we do not think that you could have improved any part of the service. All dealings with our advisor were very satisfactory. Thank you. We would not hesitate to contact Banner Jones if needed.
Mr & Mrs D, Wingerworth

We were very pleased with the process of making our Wills. All very professional, private and helpful. All our requests dealt with and happy with the cost.
Mr & Mrs R, Shirebrook

The efficiency and respect with which my late husband’s Will was administered could not have been better. Many thanks.
Mrs W, Warsop

The service I got was excellent. Staff were really helpful. The solicitor that dealt with my case was really helpful and I thank her. I would recommend this firm to anyone.
Mr M, Chesterfield

Katie was the advisor who dealt with me. I found her to be friendly and very helpful. She explained anything to me that I didn’t understand.
Mr W, Chesterfield

Excellent, professional and supportive communication throughout. Thank you very much, Kat.
Mrs B, Shirland

My family, and our business, always use Banner Jones Solicitors for a range of legal services. From wills and property purchases to more complex commercial legal matters, I would not hesitate in recommending Chris Sellars and the team at Banner Jones Solicitors.
Throughout my dealings, Chris has shown fantastic communication skills, judgement, perseverance and research knowledge and I cannot praise him and Banner Jones enough.
Chris Breeze Managing Director â€“ DCJ Group Insurance, Chesterfield

Yours has been an excellent service on the three quite different matters you have dealt with over several years. We have total confidence in Banner Jones and will continue to regard you as our first choice solicitors.
Mr & Mrs H, Dronfield

Cannot fault the service, efficient, prompt and courteous, Matters explained very well and clearly. Pleasantly surprised.
Mr & Mrs D, Mansfield

Very efficient, friendly and professional. We would definitely recommend to friends and family. They made the whole experience problem free.
Mrs W, Mansfield

We’re really grateful for the work you did for us. 10 out of 10!
Mr & Mrs S, Bridlington

Very easy to make appointments, very personal service from all people at Banner Jones, my solicitor was very friendly and put me at ease. If I needed a solicitor again, Banner Jones would be the first on my list.
Mr C, Dronfield

Brilliant service, kept well informed all the way through the process. Would definitely recommend.
Miss H, Nottinghamshire

Cannot fault the service, efficient, prompt and cautious. Matters explained very well and clearly. Pleasantly surprised.
Mr & Mrs D, Mansfield

Service provided was excellent. All the staff were very helpful, considerate and professional. I would highly recommend to friends and family.
Mr W, Nottinghamshire

Kat, the solicitor who assisted in arranging for the deputyship for my mother was extremely helpful in what I call distressing time where control of my mothers affairs have been passed onto me. Many thanks Kat for the pleasantness.
Mrs H, Chesterfield

I have always experienced complete satisfaction with Banner Jones and their services over the last 15 years.
Mr & Mrs R, Sheffield

Very clear communication, all of my questions were answered and nothing was rushed.
Mr & Mrs F, Chesterfield

Banner Jonesprovided me with a very professional and friendly service in difficult, personal circumstances and I cannot reccomend them enough. 10/10.
Mr T, Chesterfield

Excellent, efficient service, Katie was very pleasant and polite. We were made to feel at ease.
Mr Mrs C, Dronfield

Natalie was very professional and friendly. Good listener, very caring. Thank you Natalie.
Mrs M, Mansfield

Fantastic service from Katie. I was made to feel very comfortable with talking about my affairs, very professional.
Mrs P, Chesterfield

All my dealings have been with Sarah who has always been professional, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I would recommend Banner Jones.
Mr P, Derbyshire

Excellent, professional service.
Mrs M, Mansfield

Very good and friendly reception staff; excellent professioanl service; good comunication and timely attention to my work undertaken.
Mrs F, Chesterfield

Outstanding service. So very helpful, knowledgeable and easy to understand. A pleasant member of your team!
Mrs K, Sheffield

We recieved a promt, helpful and most efficient service. I wouldn't hesitate to ever use Banner Jones Solicitors again.

Amy was excellent - Thank you so much for all your advice.
Ms E, Chesterfield

I would just like to pass on my comments with regards to the first class service we received with the estate of my dear late mother.

We have been dealing with Banner Jones and I would like to say they have been excellent throughout. We have found them to be extremely efficient, helpful, understanding and friendly at this difficult time.

Also very accommodating with appointments as I work full time.

I would also comment she was very patient in dealing with my elderly father who struggles with severe hearing difficulty.

I have no hesitation in using your services again, we will shortly be making appointments to update the will for my father and in due course I will also be updating my own will with Banner Jones as all of our family affairs are with your company.

I will have no hesitation in recommending Banner Jones Solicitors to others, once again, thank you to you all.
Ms Carpenter

Banner Jones & Kat Wheeldon's help has got me through this last year. Their help and kindness was without doubt invaluable.
Mrs W, Chesterfield

Kathryn Wheeldon has provided me with an excellent service and I would recommend her to all of my friends and family.
Mrs R, Chesterfield

Excellent service! Becasue of illnesses, my new will from start to signing took half a day!
Mrs B, Nottingham

Excellent service! Thank you for all fo your help and making everything stress free for me. Will definitley recomment you.
Mr B & Mrs M, Chesterfield

Excellent Service from Banner Jones. Thank you.
Mr & Mrs L

Very helpful and understanding. Thank you.
Mrs B, Chesterfield

Very happy with all aspects of my treatment at Banner Jones. Thank you very much Katie.
Mrs A, Chesterfield

Excellent. Katie was very pleasant and helpful.
Mr & Mrs B, Chesterfield

Very thorough, professional and friendly service, thank you.
Mrs K, Chesterfield

Friendly, and vey helpfull staff.
Mr & Mrs J, Mansfield

Excellent, friendly service, my Will was updated very quickly for me, which I really appreciate.
Mrs P, Chesterfield

Natalie at Banner Jones helped us update our Wills. She was very thorough whilst being sensitive to our situation She made it an easy, simple process. We recieved our Wills quickly and completed the matter within 3 weeks!
Mr & Mrs F, Chesterfield

Excellent service from start to finish! Prompt, trustworthy, reliable and extremely helpful. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to Katie Woodward for her wonderful assistance.
Mr & Mrs C, Chesterfield

Very pleased with the service recieved. Natalie was a very pleasant and efficient person to deal with. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your services. Thank you.
Mrs B, Chesterfield

Extremely satisfied with the service provided by Katie (and Ellie) in a very professional, friendly manner. The making of the Wills was handled sensitively, thank you.
Mr & Mrs P, Mansfield

Excellent service, all matters were dealt with in a very professional way.
Mr M & Dr R, Sheffield

We used Kat Wheeldon at Banner Jones for our Wills and Powers of Attorney. We always had a friendly but professional service. Details were explained clearly so that we understood exactly what was involved and required. Fees weere explained straight away. We shall return to Banner Jones for any further legal work.
Mr & Mrs Diprose

First class service. many thanks for your help from start to finish.
Mr & Mrs C, Chesterfield

I have recieved help and advice from Katie Woodward, she is kind, considerate and professional. I would be pleased to recommend her to friends, family and colleagues. Many thanks.
Ms A, Chesterfield

I have been with this solicitors since the 60's and I have always been happy with this company. I was very happy with seeing Amy about my Will, she was very helpful.
Miss W, Mansfield

Banner Jones staff have always been professional and kind throughout my dealings with them. They have been very considerate towards my elderly Uncle, and met his needs - Whether his physical or mental impairments - Making adjustments to their practice with no hesitation at all.
Mr P, Chesterfield

Both Natalie and Stacey were very friendly and I had a professional service for both my house purchase and Will. The staff were very nice to talk to and helped me with every step if I was unsure what to do. Will highly recommend to friends and family.
Ms L, Chesterfield

Outstanding service from start to finish.
Mr & Mrs B, Mansfield

Thank you so much for your excellent service in helping me making a Will.
Mrs B, Mansfield

We were very happy with the service provided.
Mr & Mrs W, Dronfield

Thank you all for your kindness and support in a very sad time in my life, you have helped so much.
Mrs W, Chesterfield

On behalf of Darren and myself I would like to thank you both for all your help and assistance in this matter.

Excellent and efficient throughout and handled with a professional and sensitive approach.
Mr T & Mr D

I would like to thank you for the friendly, and efficient way you have dealt with me. Thank you.
Mrs L, Dronfield

All staff we came into contact with were very professional. A quick and efficient service.
Mr & Mrs T

Thank you for last weeks meeting which we both found very informative, friendly and helpful. You were able to reassure us and put our minds at rest about the number of issues. Thank you once again.
Mr & Mrs B, Derbyshire

Everything involved was dealt with in an exceptionally professional manner. Amy was a very friendly person to deal with, very knowledgable and also very sympathetic and sensitive to our needs. We could not have been better served!
Mr & Mrs W, Nottinghamshire

Because we are in our 90's and only essentially amending our Wills, Amy was very patient and extremely sensitive to our situation. She explained the issues involved in a manner whcih was very easy to understand. She gave us a great deal on confidence and we were extremely happy with the outcome.
Mr & Mrs W, Mansfield

All staff (off all levels) were very friendly & helpful. Tea/ coffees were made available at the outset and not as an afterthought. I can see no reason at all to not use Banner Jones again for any other aspects of my affairs! Thank you!
Mr M, Chesterfield

A pleasing seamless experience. Very helpful and knowledgable staff. Thank you.
Mrs P, Dronfield

A straight forward & useful service.
Mrs F, Mansfield

Always found very good service. I would highly recommend.
Mrs A, Mansfield

Very friendly and plenty of time and patience to explain every detail.
Mr B & Mrs S, Mansfield

Banner Jones are excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone.
Mrs F, Sheffield

Very pleased with the whole process. Amy was very helpful and understanding.
Mr & Mrs R, Mansfield

Amy was very kind and helpful. Always polite and goes the extra mile to source help.
Mrs L, Mansfield

Thank you Anna and Natalie - This was a great experience as you made everything go so smoothly. We very much appreciate you working within our tight timeframe.
Mr & Mrs W, Derbyshire

I found the whole service extremely friendly and professional.
Mr & Mrs B, Chesterfield

As far as I am concerned, Kat Wheeldon's service at Banner Jones is excellent.
Mrs W, Chesterfield

I do not see a need for any improvement at Banner Jones. You were very helpful, efficient, and very approachable.
Mrs G, Chesterfield

5 stars across the board!

Advised me about my Will. The lady was very knowledgeable, clear, friendly and punctual.
Mrs W, Matlock

Excellent, professional and friendly service. Business discussed and explained in straight forward language, made to feel comfortable and at ease. Highly recommended!
Mr & Mrs W, Chesterfield

The Intestacy rules which are enforced when there is no Will, are as follows:

If you’re married or in a civil partnership and you die intestate, your spouse or civil partner will NOT automatically receive all of your estate. They will only receive your personal possessions, along with:

From the 6th February 2020, the first £270,000 of your estate, plus half of the rest of the estate. The other half of the estate will go to any children, grandchildren or great grandchildren.
If you have no children then they will get all of the rest of your estate
If your estate is worth less than £270,000 your spouse or civil partner will inherit the whole of your estate and your children will receive nothing.

If you are going through a divorce we advise that you write a new Will without delay. If anything were to happen before the relationship legally ends your spouse would still be entitled to inherit, and depending on the value of the estate your children may get nothing.

Please note:

Step-children are not considered to be your children and will not be provided for under the intestacy rules. You must legally adopt them or write a Will to ensure they are provided for
The law does not recognise “common law” partners, if you are cohabiting and have not made a Will there is no guarantee that the partner will benefit
If you have joint bank accounts, the account passes automatically by survivorship to the other joint account holder
In most cases your home is the biggest asset during your lifetime, which in turn can make the life insurance pay out significant upon death. Only a Will can guarantee where this goes and how it is divided
The way in which you own property and land together can make a difference to who inherits it upon death.

If you die intestate leaving no surviving spouse or civil partner, your estate will be distributed in the following order, which is:

If you have children (including legally adopted), they will inherit all of your estate in equal shares when they reach 18 (or if they marry before 18). If a child has already died, his or her children (the grandchildren) will inherit their share of the estate.
If there are no children, your surviving parents will inherit your estate in equal shares.
If there are none of the above, your brothers and sisters will inherit in equal shares. If a brother or sister has already died, their children (your nieces and nephews) will inherit their share of the estate.
If there are none of the above, your half-brothers and half-sisters will inherit your estate. If a half-brother or half-sister has died, their children will inherit their share of the estate.
If there are none of the above, your grandparents will inherit your estate in equal shares.
If there are none of the above, your aunties and uncles will inherit your estate. If an auntie or uncle has already died, their children (your cousins) will receive their share of the estate.
If there are none of the above, your half-aunties and half-uncles will inherit your estate. If a half-auntie or half-uncle has already died, their children will inherit their share of the estate.
If you have no surviving blood relatives, your estate is passed to the Crown.

We have offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield
Highly regarded team of qualified Will Writers
FREE secure Will storage for life
Members of 'the Certainty' national Will register
Appointments not always necessary
Quick turnaround
Home / Hospital visits available
Witnesses provided
We'll give you tax advice as part of the process
Fixed Fee Promise on all Wills
We will cover every detail leaving you able to relax

For more information about Wills, or to arrange an appointment, call 0330 017 6302* or email info@bannerjones.co.uk.

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What Happens When There Is No Will?

Talk to Banner Jones

We can help with your Will

Want to know more?

Wills and Planning for the Inevitable

What Happens if I Don't Have a Will?

Why Should I Use A Solicitor To Make A Will?

10 Reasons Why You Need a Will

Recent case example

What are the Intestacy Rules?

What happens if there is no Will?

Why Use Banner Jones?

Solicitors are Insured

Get in touch today

Intestacy

What Happens When There Is No Will?

Talk to Banner Jones

We can help with your Will

Want to know more?

Wills and Planning for the Inevitable

What Happens if I Don't Have a Will?

Why Should I Use A Solicitor To Make A Will?

10 Reasons Why You Need a Will

Recent case example

What are the Intestacy Rules?

What happens if there is no Will?

Why Use Banner Jones?

Solicitors are Insured

Get in touch today

Talk to our team