Does Getting Married Revoke Your Will? | FAQ

Planning a wedding comes with a long checklist.

Choosing the venue. Sending invitations. Booking the photographer. Organising the honeymoon.

But there is one important task that many couples overlook...

Reviewing their Will.

It's something that surprises many people, but getting married usually revokes an existing Will unless it was specifically written in contemplation of that marriage.

If you've recently tied the knot, or you're planning to, it's worth understanding how marriage can affect your estate planning.

Does Marriage Automatically Cancel My Will?

In most cases, yes.

Under the law in England and Wales, getting married or entering into a civil partnership generally revokes any Will you made before the marriage.

This means your previous Will is no longer valid unless it was drafted with wording that specifically anticipated your marriage.

Many people assume that once they've made a Will, they're protected for life.

Unfortunately, that isn't always the case.

What Happens If I Don't Make a New Will?

If your previous Will has been revoked and you don't make a new one, your estate may be distributed under the Rules of Intestacy if you were to pass away.

These are a set of legal rules that decide who inherits your estate when there is no valid Will.

While these rules work for some families, they don't take your personal wishes into account.

For example, they won't allow you to:

• Choose who administers your estate.
• Leave specific gifts to family or friends.
• Make charitable donations.
• Decide who should inherit particular assets.
• Include personal wishes or guidance for your loved ones.

Every family's circumstances are different, which is why relying on the Rules of Intestacy isn't usually the best approach.

What If I Made My Will Before Getting Engaged?

If your Will was professionally drafted in contemplation of your marriage, it may remain valid after your wedding.

This is something your adviser should discuss with you when preparing your Will.

If you're unsure whether this applies to you, it's worth having your Will reviewed.

Marriage Is the Perfect Time to Review Your Estate Planning

Getting married is one of the biggest milestones in life, and it's often the ideal time to review your legal affairs.

You may also want to think about:

• Updating your Executors.
• Reviewing your beneficiaries.
• Protecting your new spouse.
• Planning for future children.
• Putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place.
• Reviewing how you own your home.

Estate planning isn't something you do once and forget about. It should evolve as your life changes.

Final Thoughts 💭

Most couples spend months planning their wedding day.

Far fewer spend an hour making sure their estate planning reflects their new life together.

If you're getting married - or you've recently said "I do" - now is the perfect opportunity to review your Will and ensure it still protects the people who matter most.

A simple review today could save your loved ones unnecessary stress and uncertainty in the future.

Need to Review Your Will?

Whether you're planning your wedding, recently married, or simply unsure whether your current Will is still valid, we're here to help.

At Soteria Estate Planning, we provide clear, friendly advice tailored to your individual circumstances, giving you confidence that your wishes are properly protected.

📞 Call us today on 01344 531521 or get in touch to arrange a no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced advisers.

Your wedding marks the start of an exciting new chapter, make sure your estate planning keeps pace.