29th July 2025
Summer weddings are full of joy, sunshine, and new beginnings. But while you’re planning your honeymoon or settling into married life, there’s one important legal task that often gets missed: your Will may no longer be valid.
At Myers & Co, we understand that legal paperwork might not feel romantic—but making sure your Will reflects your new circumstances is a simple way to protect your future and your loved ones.
Sue Hall, Director and Head of Wills and Probate at Myers & Co, explains why updating your legal documents after marriage is essential and how the law treats Wills post-marriage in England and Wales.
In England and Wales, getting married or entering a civil partnership usually revokes any existing Will, unless it was made in contemplation of that specific marriage.
This means your Will must clearly state your intention to marry a named person.
If it doesn’t, your Will is automatically revoked, and you’ll need to make a new one to ensure your wishes are followed.
If you pass away without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your personal wishes. These rules:
As of 2025, your spouse would inherit the first £322,000, all personal belongings, and half of the remaining estate. The rest would go to your children. This can create complications, especially in blended families.
It’s also important to note that only assets held in your sole name form part of your estate for the purposes of intestacy. Joint assets typically pass automatically to the surviving co-owner and are not governed by your Will or the intestacy rules.
Blended families need extra care.
If you remarry and don’t update your Will, your new spouse could inherit everything, unintentionally leaving children from a previous relationship without provision.
To avoid this, we recommend:
Marriage is a wonderful milestone and a legal one. At Myers & Co, we’re here to help you make sure your legal documents keep up with your life changes. Our team offers clear, practical advice and will guide you through updating your Will with care and understanding.
We also work closely with our Family Law team, who can support you with pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements another important way to protect your assets and provide clarity for the future.
For further information, please contact Sue Hall, Director and Head of Wills and Probate at Myers & Co, on 01782 491039 or email sue.hall@myerssolicitors.co.uk. Myers & Co has offices in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
