Do I Need a Will If I’m Not Married?

If you’re not married, you might assume your partner will automatically inherit if something happens to you.

In the UK, that is not true.

There is no such thing as a “common-law spouse” when it comes to inheritance.

Without a Will, your partner could receive nothing at all.

This is one of the biggest myths in estate planning, and one of the most common reasons families end up in distress.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

If you are not married and you die without a Will, the Intestacy Rules decide who inherits your estate.

Your estate would pass in this order:

1. Your children

2. Your parents

3. Your siblings

4. More distant relatives

   
   

Your partner is not included unless you are legally married or in a civil partnership.

That means:

• Your home may not pass to your partner

• Your savings may not go to them

• They may even be forced to leave the property if they do not own it

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Even if you lived together for decades, the law does not protect them.

What If You Own a Home Together?

This is where things often become even more complicated.

If you are tenants in common, your share of the property does not automatically go to your partner. It passes under the intestacy rules instead.

That can leave your partner:

• Owning only part of the home

• Living in a property they do not fully control

• At risk of being forced to sell

  
  

A properly written Will can protect your partner and your children at the same time.

What If You Have Children?

If you die without a Will and your children are under 18:

• The court decides who manages their inheritance

• The court may decide who cares for them

• Your partner may have no automatic legal authority

  
  

A Will allows you to:

• Appoint guardians

• Choose trustees

• Control when and how your children inherit

  
  

Why a Will Is Even More Important If You’re Not Married

Without a Will, your partner may have to:

• Apply to the court under the Inheritance Act

• Spend thousands in legal fees

• Wait months or years for a decision

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All while grieving.

A Will removes this uncertainty and protects the people you love.

How Newlife Wills Can Help

At Newlife Wills, we specialise in protecting modern families, especially those who are not married, blended, or co-habiting.

We can help you:

• Protect your partner

• Safeguard your home

• Provide for your children

• Reduce future conflict

• Create peace of mind

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We offer home and office appointments across Thanet, Canterbury, Ramsgate, Margate and East Kent.

Take the First Step

If you’re not married, having a Will is not optional, it is essential.

📞 Get in touch with Newlife Wills today on 01843 269165 for friendly, professional advice.

Plan today. Protect tomorrow