@carolinesandifordlegal 👑 Time for a game of True or False with the Estate Planning Queen! 👑 Today we are tackling the Marriage, Relationships and Intestacy Edition. Are you legally protected, or are you falling for common legal myths? Here is a sneak peek of what we cover in the video: **The Separation Myth:** If you've been informally separated for 10 years, your spouse is still entitled to claim on your estate unless you specifically exclude them! **The Engaged Couple Trap:** Even if the wedding is fully paid for, your fiancé does not have the same inheritance rights as a spouse until you are legally married. You must make provisions for them in a will with a specific "intention to marry" clause. **The Total Exclusion Rule:** You *can* write a will leaving your spouse or dependent children with nothing, but it can be challenged in court under The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975! **The "Government Takes It All" Fear:** If you are single, have no children, and die without a will, your money doesn't automatically go straight to the government. The law sets out a specific order, reverting to parents first, then full bloodline siblings. It only reverts to the Crown if absolutely no heirs can be found. **The Sibling Rule:** If you die without a will, full bloodline siblings come above any step siblings. **The Unborn Child Risk:** Future children who aren't named can face disinheritance, which is why it's always better to have a fluid, proactive will rather than a reactive one. Plus, my oldest sidekick, Grommet the dog! 🐶 Watch the full video to get the facts, and drop any questions you have in the comments below! 👇 #EstatePlanning #EstatePlanningQueen #TrueOrFalse #WillsAndProbate #InheritanceLaw #IntestacyRules ♬ original sound - Caroline Sandiford