Dying without a will: who inherits under intestacy?

If there's a spouse and children, the spouse takes the first £322,000 plus personal possessions; the rest is split.

Unmarried partners inherit nothing under intestacy, no matter how long the relationship.

If no spouse or children, the estate passes up and across the family tree in a strict order.

If no relatives can be found, the estate passes to the Crown (bona vacantia).