Summer weddings bring sunshine, celebration, and the start of a new chapter. But amidst the excitement of planning honeymoons and settling into married life, there’s one important legal detail that often gets overlooked: your Will may no longer be valid.

Nicola Steadman Solicitor & Head of Private Client at Thomson Hayton Winkley, explains why reviewing your Will after marriage is so important and how a few simple steps can help protect your loved ones and your legacy.

Why Does Marriage Affect Your Will?

Under the law in England and Wales, getting married or entering a civil partnership automatically revokes any existing Will, unless it was made in clear contemplation of that specific marriage/civil partnership.

This means that unless your Will explicitly states your intention to marry your now-spouse, it’s no longer legally binding and your estate could be distributed in ways you didn’t intend.

What Happens If You Don’t Make a New Will?

Without a valid Will, your estate will be handled under the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your personal wishes. These rules:

• Prioritise your spouse and biological/adopted children
• Exclude stepchildren, cohabiting partners, and close friends
• Can lead to unintended consequences or family disputes

As of 2025, your spouse would inherit:

• The first £322,000 of your estate
• All personal possessions
• Half of the remaining estate

The other half would go to your children. In blended families, this can create complications and even conflict.

What If You Have Children from a Previous Relationship?

Blended families require thoughtful planning. If you remarry and don’t update your Will, your new spouse could inherit everything potentially leaving children from a previous relationship without provision.

To avoid this, we recommend:

• Reviewing your Will after marriage
• Seeking advice from our experienced Wills & Probate team
• Considering trusts or tailored arrangements to protect everyone involved

How Thomson Hayton Winkley Can Help

Marriage is a joyful milestone and a legal one. At Thomson Hayton Winkley, our Wills & Probate specialists offer clear, compassionate advice to help you update your Will with confidence.

Whether you’ve just tied the knot or are planning your big day, now is the perfect time to make sure your Will reflects your new life. It’s a small step that brings lasting peace of mind. For more information contact us to find out how we can help.

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