R01 Wills, intestacy and estates: free practice questions
5 free questions on Wills, intestacy and estates, part of learning outcome 3 (Legal concepts). Pick an answer to check it, or open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
Question 1 of 5
Which of these is one of the three formalities for a valid will in England?
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The answer is C: It must be signed and witnessed by at least two people present at the signing
A valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator (or on their direction in their presence), and attested by two or more witnesses present at the signing.
Why the other options are wrong
A
Print or type is acceptable; it needn't be handwritten.
B
Wills don't have to be registered during the testator's life.
D
A solicitor isn't required.
Question 2 of 5
Priya made a will in 2018 and married in 2024. The will doesn't mention the marriage. What is the effect?
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The answer is B: The will is revoked in full
Marriage or civil partnership revokes a will in full unless it states it was made in anticipation of that marriage. Without a new will, Priya would die intestate.
Why the other options are wrong
A
Partial revocation applies on divorce, not marriage.
C
There's no five-year rule.
D
Marriage revokes an earlier will unless made in anticipation of it.
Question 3 of 5
Jo dies intestate, leaving a husband but no children or grandchildren. Who inherits?
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The answer is D: The husband takes everything
Where the intestate leaves a spouse or civil partner but no issue, the spouse is the sole beneficiary.
Why the other options are wrong
A
The statutory legacy applies only when there are also issue.
B
Siblings inherit only if there is no spouse, issue or parents.
C
The Crown takes only where there are no relatives.
Question 4 of 5
Under the intestacy rules, who inherits first if there is no spouse or civil partner?
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The answer is C: Issue (children, then grandchildren)
With no spouse or civil partner, issue take everything, followed in turn by parents, siblings, grandparents, then uncles and aunts. Only if none survive does the Crown (or a Duchy) take the estate.
Why the other options are wrong
A
Parents come after issue.
B
The Crown takes only where there are no relatives.
D
Brothers and sisters come after issue and parents.
Question 5 of 5
Why must legal personal representatives check there are enough funds before distributing an estate?
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The answer is A: They're personally liable for the estate's debts and taxes
LPRs are personally liable for all debts and taxes of the estate, so they must identify assets and liabilities and ensure there's enough before distributing.
Why the other options are wrong
B
The timing of beneficiaries' claims isn't the reason.
C
HMRC doesn't fund shortfalls; it collects tax owed.
D
Distributions aren't automatically reversed; the LPRs carry the liability.
Practise all 10 Wills, intestacy and estates questions
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R0 Exam Prep is an independent revision tool. It is not produced, endorsed by or affiliated with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Questions and explanations are original. Use it alongside the official study text. About R0 Exam Prep