Hi All I am looking for some independent advice, before we get too involved with solicitors. A distant family member has died intestate age 30. He was living with his unmarried partner and mother of his 6 month old child. The only asset is a house valued at c £120k. It is my understanding that this will follow the intestacy rules, with the house ending up in this statutory trust until the child is 18. Who appoints trustees? What happens next. The mother now will be on benefits. Does the trust charge the mother rent, or should she live rent free whilst looking after the child. How would this effect housing benefit? Would it even be due. Any advice welcomed thanks

My best friend recently died without making a will. His considerable estate will come to his father. My friend's partner lived with him for two years prior to his death. In that period his house was transformed by her from an undecorated hovel to a swish country house. I would guess that by her efforts and persuasion at a minimum, £75K would have been added to the value of the property. All the costs though were met by my deceased friend. My question: when the house is sold does she have any claim on the "added value" to the property which she was directly responsible for? Thank you.

From 1 October, changes to the intestacy rules will mean spouses and civil partners will receive more if their partner dies without a will. The rules changes won't affect people who die with less than £250,000 in assets. The rules of intestacy set out who is entitled to inherit if a person dies without leaving a valid will. The main changes are: if a spouse or civil partner dies intestate and there are no surviving children, the remaining partner will inherit the whole estate if a spouse or civil partner dies intestate and there are surviving children, the remaining partner will inherit £250,000, all the personal property and half of the rest of the estate. The children then get the remaining half share on trust until they reach the age of 18. More about the intestacy rules http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/news/whats_new_sep14_inheritance__how_changes_to_the_intestacy_rules_may_affect_you.htm Inheritance law changes come into force http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29436533 Help yourself and charity each November Having your Will written professionally can give you great peace of mind. In November, you can use a local solicitor who has signed up to Will Aid and you can enjoy the added feel-good factor of supporting nine leading UK charities. Instead of paying your solicitor’s fee, you will be invited to make a donation to charity. The suggested voluntary donation is £95 for a basic Will or £150 for a pair of basic mirror Wills. The next campaign will be in November 2014 http://www.willaid.org.uk/will-makers