When you think about planning for the future, a Will may not be at the top of your list. Life is busy, and it's easy to put off the process, especially when it feels like it's only relevant for the elderly or wealthy. However, if you live in Scotland, understanding what happens if you die without a Will—known as intestacy—can save your loved ones from confusion, stress, and even heartache.
That's why WeWill provides a new up-to-date guide: The Rules of Intestacy Scotland, a resource to demystify these laws and help you take control of your legacy.
What Are the Rules of Intestacy in Scotland?
Under Scots law, the rules of intestacy determine how your estate—everything you own, from your home to your savings—is distributed if you pass away without a valid Will. These rules may not reflect your wishes, for example:
Spouses and Civil Partners: They don't automatically inherit everything.
- Children and Grandchildren: They could have a claim that complicates matters.
- Unmarried Partners: They are not entitled to anything under intestacy rules.
- Distant Relatives or the Crown: If no immediate family is found, your estate could go to distant relatives or even revert to the Crown.
Imagine your partner of 20 years being left with nothing simply because you weren't legally married. Or your carefully built business being divided in ways that harm its future. This is the reality of intestacy in Scotland.
How WeWill's Guide Can Help
WeWill's Rules of Intestacy Scotland guide is designed to make it easy for you to understand what's at stake. We've created some useful resources:
- Interactive Quiz: Answer a few yes/no questions about your family circumstances, and we'll show you how the law would divide your assets. It's simple, quick, and eye-opening.
- Free Guide Download: A visually engaging guide to the rules of intestacy, perfect for sharing with family or using as a starting point for conversations about planning.
The Emotional Cost of Intestacy
Dying without a Will isn't just a legal issue—it's an emotional one.
Families can find themselves in the middle of disputes about who gets what, creating divisions at a time when they should be supporting one another. According to research, family disagreements over inheritance are on the rise, particularly in complex family structures.
Even well-meaning relatives may find themselves at odds with each other, especially if the intestacy rules create outcomes that seem unfair. Having a Will in place ensures clarity and reduces the potential for conflict.
Why Choose WeWill?
We pride ourselves on being more than just a Will-writing service. Here's why we stand out:
- Scottish Expertise: Our Wills are written under Scots law, ensuring they are tailored to your unique legal system.
- Simple and Affordable: Our online platform makes creating a Will as straightforward as possible—no legal jargon, no hidden fees.
- Values You Can Trust: We're rooted in respect, trust, and quality, and we're here to make planning your future easier, not harder.
Take the First Step Today
If you're not sure where to start, that's okay. Our guide is here to help. Take our Rules of Intestacy Scotland Quiz, download the free guide, and explore how WeWill can guide you toward a solution that's right for your family.
Don't leave your legacy to chance. Take control, plan ahead, and give your loved ones the clarity they deserve.