intestacy rules
spouse, kids, parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, crown.

there's a bit more to it than that, but this is the general priority list. and yeah, it can take ages.

if you're married and you are joint tenant with your spouse in ownership of your house, it's only relevant if you wanted to leave stuff to other people. if you wanted to leave some to charidee, or to your parents, or a brother etc, you'd need a will or to ensure that your other half knew exactly what your wishes were.
( rachelswipe with a fork, Tue 30 Aug 2011, 15:38, Reply)