Most people don’t realise that one of the biggest legal changes that happens when you get married isn’t emotional, it’s administrative. Under UK law, marriage automatically revokes any existing Will, unless that Will was made “in contemplation of marriage.”

That means the moment you say “I do,” your previous plans for who inherits your home, savings, or personal items could disappear without you even realising. For couples entering a second marriage, blended families, or anyone with specific wishes around gifts or guardianship, this can have serious and unexpected consequences.

What actually happens when your Will is cancelled?

If your Will is revoked and you haven’t made a new one, your estate will be dealt with under intestacy rules. These rules don’t consider personal preferences, modern family structures, or special relationships, they follow a strict formula that may leave:

  • Children with less than you intended
  • A new spouse with more than expected
  • Stepchildren with nothing at all
  • Unmarried partners completely unprotected

For many families, that’s not just impractical, it can be deeply unfair.

When should you update your Will?

The answer is simple: as soon as you start planning your marriage, not after.
A Will can be drafted in contemplation of marriage, meaning it stays valid once you’re legally married. This ensures:

  • Your wishes remain intact
  • Children and dependants are protected
  • Property and assets pass the way you intend
  • Unnecessary complications (and disputes) are avoided

Why this matters for blended and growing families

Second marriages, new relationships, and changes in family dynamics mean that assuming “everything will go where it should” is a risk. Clear, up‑to‑date planning protects your family and avoids difficult situations at an already emotional time.

What to do next

If you’re newly engaged, recently married, or supporting someone through a new chapter, reviewing your Will is one of the most important steps you can take. It’s simple, it’s proactive, and it ensures your future is shaped by choice, not by default rules.