What happens when an unmarried partner dies without a will?
In short
No. Under the intestacy rules of England and Wales an unmarried partner inherits nothing automatically, however long the relationship. A partner who lived with the deceased as a couple for the two years before the death can claim reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Proposals for wider rights remain unimplemented.
What the full article will cover
- Does a cohabiting partner inherit under the intestacy rules?
- Who can claim under the 1975 Inheritance Act?
- What does the two-year cohabitation rule mean?
- What did the Law Commission recommend in 2011?
- How does Scotland treat a surviving cohabitant?
- How can cohabiting couples protect each other?
Frequently asked questions
- Can a cohabiting partner stay in the family home after a death?
- Do unmarried partners benefit from the spouse exemption for inheritance tax?
- Does a jointly owned home pass to the surviving partner?
- How long do you have to bring a claim under the 1975 Act?
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1975/63/section/1
- commonslibrary.parliament.uk — https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03372/
- lawcom.gov.uk — https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/cohabitation/
General information, not legal or religious advice.