Government announcement of an increase in the Statutory Legacy

The government has announced an increase in the levels of statutory legacy, which will benefit married couples and civil partners whose spouse or civil partner dies without leaving a will. The statutory legacy is the amount payable to a surviving spouse or civil partner from the estate of the spouse or civil partner who has died without making a will. Currently a spouse or civil partner will receive £125,000 where there are children from the marriage or civil partnership. Or, where there are no children, the surviving spouse or civil partner will receive £200,000. The government is responding to concerns that the current levels were too low.

From 1 February 2009 the new levels of statutory legacy will increase to £250,000 and £450,000 depending on whether there are children or not. The government aims to give extra protection to married couples and civil partners whose spouse or civil partner dies without making a will.

The best way of protecting your spouse or civil partner is by making a will. That way you can divide your estate as you wish and not according to intestacy rules. This is especially important if you have step children you wish to provide for as they may not get anything under intestacy rules.

If you are co-habiting but are not married or have not registered a civil partnership, your partner may get nothing after your death.

If you wish to make a will, please call our Harborough branch on 01858 445493 to make an appointment. You can make an appointment at any of our branches in Market Harborough, Wigston and on Uppingham Road in Leicester.