Inheritance of intestate partners to double

People who are widowed, but whose spouses do not leave a will are soon to see the money they receive from their partner’s estate increased.

As it stands, the law says that widows and widowers receive the first £125,000 (or £250,000 if there are no children) from their partner’s estate, without a will. The figure was set in 1993 and is considered out of date. Many people are at risk of having to sell their house to satisfy claims on their partner’s estate.

To reduce the risk, the Government is to raise the automatic entitlement for widows, widowers and civil partners who have lost their partner. In law in England and Wales this is known as statutory legacy.

Particularly affecting the elderly, of course, the law is now changing. As from February 2009, the amounts received by bereaved partners will increase to the first £250,000 of the intestate partner’s estate, or £450,000 without children.

The Justice Minister, Bridget Prentice, said that the increase would give extra protection to married couples and those in civil partnerships where no will has been made. She did add, however, that it highlighted the importance of making a will in order to protect your loved ones.

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