How much is the current statutory legacy payable to a surviving spouse or civil partner when a person dies intestate leaving issue (children)?

• A. £500,000
• B. £322,000
• C. £250,000
• D. £150,000

Answer: (B)

When someone dies intestate and leaves a surviving spouse or civil partner along with children, the law guarantees a statutory legacy to the survivor. The current fixed amount is £322,000. This legacy is paid out of the estate first. After it’s paid, the remaining assets form the residue. The surviving spouse then takes a life interest in one half of that residue, while the other half goes to the issue (the children) on trust and ultimately to them. This structure ensures the spouse has a guaranteed sum and ongoing access to part of the remaining value, while the children receive the rest over time. The other figures listed do not reflect the present fixed amount for this situation.