This article is written for people in England and Wales. Different legal rules apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland; if you live there, seek local guidance.
Marriage and your will — the general rule
– In England and Wales, getting married will normally cancel (revoke) a will you made before the marriage, unless that will was expressly made in contemplation of that particular marriage. This is the general legal effect described by government guidance, so many people choose to make or update a will when they marry [1][3].
– The same general rule usually applies to the formation of a civil partnership: entering into a civil partnership can have the same effect on a previously made will, so it is sensible to check and update documents if you register a partnership [1][3].
Why this exists (in plain terms)
Marriage and the formation of a partnership often signal a new chapter in life and changed responsibilities. The rule exists so that, unless you specifically planned otherwise in a will, marriage does not leave a partner unintentionally excluded. That sense of protecting close family is at the heart of the law.
Exceptions and special circumstances
– A will made specifically “in contemplation of” a forthcoming marriage may survive the ceremony — for example, where the will expressly states it was made because you intend to marry a named person and is clearly linked to that plan. If a will contains such wording, it may not be revoked by the marriage [3].
– Particular wills, family situations or legal instruments can produce different results. If your will contains unusual clauses, trusts, or plans for particular property, professional advice is the safest way to know how the law applies to your documents and wishes.
Illustrative composite scenario
– Alice wrote a will leaving her estate to her parents. She later became engaged and married Ben without changing the will. Under the general rule, her earlier will would normally be revoked on marriage unless it had been written in contemplation of her marriage to Ben. This example is an illustrative composite scenario to explain how the rule works in practice; it is not legal advice about any individual case.
Making changes after a marriage
– You should not try to change a signed will by adding notes, crossing things out, or writing new instructions informally. A will must be properly executed to be effective [2].
– A codicil (a formal amendment to a will) must be signed and witnessed in the same way as a will. For small, formal amendments this can be appropriate, but major revisions are commonly dealt with by making a new will that replaces the old one entirely [2][3].
– If you marry and want your partner to benefit, the most straightforward approach for clarity and peace of mind is often to make a fresh will that reflects your joint plans.
Other life events to watch for
Marriage is not the only life event that can make it sensible to review a will. Moving house, having children, separating from a partner, or receiving a substantial inheritance are all reasons to consider an update. Divorce or dissolution can also affect how a will operates — the government guidance on updating wills explains how changes in relationship status may change the effect of an existing will and why you should check yours after any such event [3].
Keeping the warm intention at the centre
Updating your will after marriage isn’t just a legal task — it’s a way of making sure the people you love and your plans for them are reflected clearly. Taking a little time to review and, if needed, formally change a will helps provide reassurance and belonging for the people you care about.
Practical next steps
– Check whether you have a will and where the original is stored.
– Read the government guidance on making and updating wills to understand the formal requirements [1][2][3].
– If you married or formed a civil partnership and have not reviewed your will, consider whether you want a new will or a codicil. Remember a codicil must be signed and witnessed just like a will [2].
– For anything complex — trusts, businesses, international assets, or uncertainty about wording — get specialist legal advice tailored to your circumstances.
– Tell the person(s) you trust (executors) where the will and any legal advice are kept, so your wishes are easier to carry out.
Legal-information disclaimer
This article provides general information about English and Welsh law and is not legal advice. It does not determine whether any individual will is valid or invalid. For an assessment of your specific documents or personalised legal advice, consult a qualified solicitor or professional adviser.
Sources
- Make a will (GOV.UK): https://www.gov.uk/make-will [1]
- Make sure your will is legal (GOV.UK): https://www.gov.uk/make-will/make-sure-your-will-is-legal [2]
- Updating your will (GOV.UK): https://www.gov.uk/make-will/updating-your-will [3]
- HMRC Inheritance Tax Manual – IHTM12075 (GOV.UK): https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/inheritance-tax-manual/ihtm12075 [4]