If you die without a will :

• You will have no say in what happens to your assets – the State dictates what will happen.
• If you are unmarried but living with a partner, even if you have children, your partner may receive nothing.
• Just because you are married, it does not mean your assets will automatically pass to your partner.
• If you are separated, your estranged partner may inherit all or part of your estate.
• If you have children, the courts will decide who will take care of them. Your children may be split up or placed in the care of strangers.
• Your family may have to pay many thousands of pounds in tax.