Getting married is one of life’s most important milestones—but it can also have a significant impact on your legal arrangements, including your will.
Many people in the UK are unaware that marriage can automatically invalidate an existing will. If you already have a will in place or are planning to make one, it is essential to understand how marriage affects it.
Does Marriage Invalidate a Will in the UK?
Yes—in most cases, getting married automatically revokes any existing will.
This rule is set out under the Wills Act 1837, which states that marriage cancels a previous will unless it was specifically made in contemplation of that marriage.
In simple terms:
If you get married, your existing will is usually no longer valid.
Why Does Marriage Cancel a Will?
The law assumes that marriage changes your financial and personal circumstances. For example:
- You gain a legal spouse
- Your inheritance priorities may change
- Your financial responsibilities increase
Because of this, the law requires you to actively review and confirm your wishes after marriage by creating a new will.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Wills Made in Contemplation of Marriage
A will may remain valid after marriage if it was specifically written in contemplation of that marriage.
To qualify:
- The will must clearly state it is made in anticipation of a specific marriage
- The intended spouse must be named
Without this wording, the will will usually be revoked automatically upon marriage.
What Happens If You Don’t Update Your Will After Marriage?
If your will becomes invalid and you do not create a new one, your estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy.
According to GOV.UK, this typically means:
- Your spouse will inherit most or all of your estate
- Unmarried partners will not automatically inherit anything
- Your personal wishes will not be considered
- There is a higher risk of disputes among family members
You can read more about this in our guide:
👉 What Happens If You Don’t Have a Valid Will
How Marriage Affects Your Estate Planning
Marriage does not only affect your will. It can also impact:
- Property ownership
- Pensions
- Life insurance policies
- Guardianship arrangements for children
This is why it is important to review your estate planning as a whole after getting married.
For more guidance on preparing a will, see:
👉 Will Writing Services
Should Married Couples Consider Mirror Wills?
Many married couples choose to make mirror wills, which are separate wills with similar terms—typically leaving everything to each other, and then to children or other beneficiaries.
You can learn more here:
👉 Mirror Wills vs Mutual Wills
When Should You Update Your Will?
You should update or create a new will:
- Immediately after getting married
- After buying property
- After having children
- Whenever your financial situation changes
It is also important to review your will regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes.
You may also find this useful:
👉 What to Include in a Will
What Happens If You Divorce Instead?
Marriage and divorce affect wills differently. Unlike marriage, divorce does not automatically invalidate your will, but it may remove your former spouse from certain parts of it.
Read more here:
👉 Challenging or Updating a Will
How to Ensure Your Will Is Legally Valid
To be legally valid in the UK, a will must:
- Be written clearly
- Be signed by the testator
- Be witnessed correctly
- Reflect the most up-to-date wishes of the individual
Mistakes in any of these areas can lead to disputes or invalidation.
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Updating your will after marriage is simple and affordable.
At Town & Country Law, we provide:
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