The intestacy rules in England and Wales, established under the Administration of Estates Act 1925, dictate who inherits when someone dies without a will. Now a century old, these rules remain largely unchanged despite major shifts in family structures.
The Historical Context of Intestacy
To understand why these rules exist, it’s worth looking back at how the times were then. Society differed greatly from today.
Back then, social norms dictated that only married couples lived together and had children. Divorce was rare, especially for women. The concept of openly cohabiting couples or “blended families” as we know them today was practically non-existent.
While the current rules might seem outdated, understanding the historical context can provide some perspective.
For more information on the Rules of Intestacy at 100, please read our latest blog.
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