Distributions Under Intestacy

The surviving spouse or civil partner’s entitlement under an intestacy depends on what other surviving relatives the deceased had at the time of death.

Distributions under intestacy (England & Wales (E & W)):

Subject to the rights of the surviving spouse or civil partner, the following table indicates the order of distribution of the estate:

Order Of Distribution

You should note that adopted children have the same rights as natural children legitimated children are entitled as if they had been born legitimate an illegitimate child can benefit from a parent’s estate and they from the child’s.

Distributions under intestacy (E & W): other persons

If the deceased had no surviving spouse or civil partner or issue others may benefit in the following order:

  • parents – equally if both living.
  • brothers and sisters of the whole blood – equally and their issue per stirpes.
  • brothers and sisters of half blood – equally and their issue per stirpes.
  • grandparents – equally if more than one living.
  • uncles and aunts of the whole blood – equally and their issue per stirpes.
  • uncles and aunts of half blood – equally and their issue per stirpes.
  • The Crown, Duchy of Lancaster or Duchy of Cornwall.