Are you expecting an inheritance from a loved one who has recently passed away? With the rising cost of living across the UK, more people are relying on inheritance money to help manage daily expenses, mortgage payments, and improve their financial future.
But what happens if there’s no will? And what does it mean for those expecting to inherit?
Expecting an inheritance, but no Will has been found?
According to recent research, the number of inheritance disputes and family conflicts is on the rise. This is due to poor estate planning and unclear or missing wills. If a valid will exists, assets are typically distributed according to the deceased’s wishes. This is when you can expect an inheritance if you are named as a beneficiary.
However, when someone passes away without a will, it’s called dying intestate. Their estate is divided according to intestacy laws rather than personal intentions. In these cases, the court issues a Grant of Letters of Administration, appointing someone to manage and distribute the estate. If you’re expecting an inheritance, it is important to know whether there is a will in place as it may impact what you’re entitled to receive.
Intestacy Rules in England and Wales
You might be expecting an inheritance if you’re a family member of the deceased. In that case, the estate is divided according to intestacy laws.
The order of inheritance under intestacy laws:
- Living spouse/civil partner
- Children (including legally adopted children – stepchildren are not automatically entitled to inherit under intestacy unless they have been legally adopted).
- Parents
- Siblings (full and half-siblings)
- Grandparents
- Aunts and uncles (whole and half-blood)
- The Crown, Duchy of Lancaster, or Duke of Cornwall
Unfortunately, this means that some people expecting an inheritance may be left with nothing, especially stepchildren and unmarried partners which are not legally recognised. This process may cause disappointment and disputes when expectations are not met.
In some cases, assets may even go to relatives the deceased never met or to the Crown if no heirs can be found.
How many people in the UK are expecting an inheritance?
The 2025 Inheritance Expectation Report by Level Group, reveals the growing financial importance of inheritance among UK citizens. The findings suggest a growing reliance on inheritances as a financial safety net. The cost-of-living crisis is pushing more individuals to depend on financial support, with many now expecting an inheritance to help cover daily living expenses, mortgage payments, and other essential costs.
Key Findings
- Over half of Brits (54%) expect to receive an inheritance from a loved one within the next 20 years.
- A third (34%) admit to being financially dependent on this expected inheritance to some extent.
- Nearly one in ten (9%) would fall into debt or further debt if the inheritance does not materialise.
- Millennials (51%) and individuals aged 35 to 44 (47%) are the most financially reliant on an expected inheritance.
- Men (39%) are more likely than women (30%) to be depending on an inheritance.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re expecting an inheritance or planning your estate, the most important step is to create a clear, legal will. This process of appointing an executor prevents future inheritance disputes and stress.
If you’re unsure that you’re expecting an inheritance from a recent family member passing, complete our contact form and we can investigate your case. For more articles like this, please read our other blogs and follow us on LinkedIn.
