Spouses and civil partners to receive more when partner dies without leaving a will
28th August 2008
The Ministry of Justice has announced proposals that married couples and civil partners, whose spouse or civil partner dies intestate, will benefit from an increase in the statutory legacy.
The statutory legacy is currently set at £125,000 (where the deceased leaves a surviving spouse or civil partner and children) and £200,000 (where the deceased leaves a surviving spouse or civil partner and parents or siblings, but no children).
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said:
‘This increase will give extra protection to married couples and civil partners whose spouse or civil partner dies without making a will. But it also highlights how important it is for both men and women to make arrangements for their loved ones in the event of their deaths.
‘Married couples and civil partners should not assume that when their spouse or civil partner dies, they will automatically be entitled to everything. It is up to individuals to make sure that their wishes are respected by making a will.
‘My message to people is, don’t leave it to chance. Make sure your loved ones are properly provided for by leaving a will.’
The proposal is that, from 1 February 2009, the statutory legacy will increase to £250,000 and £450,000.
Link: The press release can be found here.
