Everything advisers need to know about the new intestacy laws

The Inheritance and Trustees' Powers Act 2014 came into effect in England and Wales on 1 October. The legislation introduces a number of important changes, based on the recommendations of the Law Commission, to a multitude of issues that affect will drafting and the administration of estates. Prior to this development, the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allowed the deceased's spouse or civil partner to obtain provision, or in the cases of the deceased children or of others maintained by the deceased, maintenance from the estate, when the will or intestacy laws...