Order of entitlement

The order below represents the basic order of entitlement to intestacies in England & Wales. This order changes slightly for Scotland and Northern Ireland. For a more detailed order, please visit order of entitlement in our probate section.

NB:
If a beneficiary dies after the deceased, the entitlement is passed to the estate of the beneficiary. If a beneficiary died before the deceased, the entitlement is passed to the issue of the beneficiary.

  • 1. Spouse
  • 2. Issue (i.e. children or their descendants)
  • 3. Brothers and sisters of the whole blood equally (or their issue)
  • 4. Brothers and sisters of the half blood equally (or their issue)
  • 5. Surviving grandparents equally
  • 6. Aunts and uncles of the whole blood equally (or their issue)
  • 7. Aunts and uncles of the half blood equally (or their issue)
  • 8. Crown, Duchy of Lancaster, Duchy of Cornwall or in Scotland only, descendants of Great Grandparents, or Great-Great Grandparents are entitled to benefit in priority to the Crown.