The Ministry of Justice has announced that spouses and civil partners will receive more when a partner dies intestate. The increase to the statutory legacy will come into force from 1 February 2009.

 

The current intestacy rules provide that if the deceased leaves children, their surviving spouse or civil partner is entitled to £125,000. If the deceased does not leave any children then the surviving spouse or civil partner is entitled to £200,000.

 

From 1 February 2009, these amounts will increase to £250,000 and £450,000 respectively.