What will happen to my shares if I die intestate? ================================================= ![What will happen to my shares if I die intestate?](https://vardags.com/images/pictures/_360/d4142a84ebf3f0bfe286b2d99722fae6.jpeg)If you have not made a will before your death, the intestacy rules dictate who inherits any shares that you own. This means that your company shares could be controlled by a trust, or go to a relative whom you had no intention should inherit the shares. If you leave your company shares to minor children, then they will have to be sold, unless special provisions are included in the will. What are the intestacy rules? ----------------------------- If there is a surviving spouse/civil partner who survives by 28 days, the spouse inherits the first £450,000 and half the balance over £450,000; the other half will go to parents, or if they are dead, to siblings. If you have a spouse and children, the spouse inherits the first £250,000, personal possessions, and income arising on half of the remainder above £250,000. The other half of the remainder goes to the children in equal shares. If you have no children, parents or siblings, then half-siblings or even aunts and uncles inherit your estate. Failing that, then your estate passes to the crown. Of course you may not care that your hard-earned wealth goes to the government to ease the deficit, but it may be that you prefer other people to benefit. Certainly your co-shareholders might wish to have some certainty, particularly if there are only a few shareholders. How to avoid the intestacy rules -------------------------------- By making a will, you are taking out insurance that your wishes are followed after your death, to avoid complications and disputes for those you leave behind. By seeking advice you will also find out how to save inheritance tax. "Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." ![The Huffington Post](https://vardags.com/images/logo/huffpost.png) "Ayesha Vardag - Woman of the Year"![GG2](https://vardags.com/images/logo/gg2-3.png) "Leading, Magic Circle law firm."Mr Justice Coleridge "A handful of firms dominate the so-called 'glamour' end of the market ... Vardags"The Times "One of the best divorce lawyers in the country"Marie Claire "Ayesha Vardag - 'diva of divorce' for the world's super rich" ![BBC](https://vardags.com/images/logo/bbc.png) "Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius."Lewis Marks KC "Ayesha Vardag - the Queen of divorce"Daily Mail "Vardags brilliantly argued my case to a resounding victory"Pauline Chai (client) "Britain's top divorce lawyer" ![The Telegraph](https://vardags.com/images/logo/telegraph.png) More Wills & Trusts news ---------------------------- [Estate planning: How can I keep my pets safe after my death?](https://vardags.com/family-law/pets-charitable-trusts "Estate planning: How can I keep my pets safe after my death?") [Leaving your estate in trust to avoid family feuds](https://vardags.com/family-law/leaving-your-estate-in-trust-to-avoid-family-feuds "Leaving your estate in trust to avoid family feuds") [What will happen to my shares if I die intestate?](https://vardags.com/family-law/company-shares-intestacy "What will happen to my shares if I die intestate?") [Trusts (Capital and Income) Act 2013](https://vardags.com/family-law/trusts-capital-and-income-act-2013 "Trusts (Capital and Income) Act 2013") [Witnessing wills using video conferencing - a welcome change or a risky reaction to COVID-19?](https://vardags.com/posts/witnessing-wills-using-video-conference "Witnessing wills using video conferencing a welcome change or a risky reaction to COVID-19?") Articles by Christopher Hall ---------------------------- [Leaving your estate in trust to avoid family feuds](https://vardags.com/family-law/leaving-your-estate-in-trust-to-avoid-family-feuds "Leaving your estate in trust to avoid family feuds") [Inheritance law and divorce](https://vardags.com/family-law/inheritance-law-and-divorce "Inheritance law and divorce") [What will happen to my shares if I die intestate?](https://vardags.com/family-law/company-shares-intestacy "What will happen to my shares if I die intestate?") [Trusts (Capital and Income) Act 2013](https://vardags.com/family-law/trusts-capital-and-income-act-2013 "Trusts (Capital and Income) Act 2013") [Private Client: a lesson in psychology](https://vardags.com/family-law/private-client-lesson-psychology "Private Client: a lesson in psychology")