Did you know marriage revokes a Will? – Free Wills Week 2025
More than half of UK adults don’t know that getting married or remarried cancels an existing Will, according to new research from charity consortium Will Aid.
The annual campaign, which returns this November, surveyed 2,000 adults and found that 56% were unaware that marriage automatically revokes a Will made beforehand.
The current legal position was highlighted in the ‘Modernising Wills Law’ report, published by the Law Commission earlier this year. The Commission has recommended changes to bring the law in line with modern relationships, particularly as cohabitation becomes more common and concerns grow around undue influence and predatory marriage.
However, no changes have yet been made. This means that if you marry or remarry, any Will you made before that point is no longer valid.
Without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes or make provision for children from a previous relationship.
These situations can sometimes lead to disputes after someone passes away, especially where there are questions about the validity of a Will, or where family members feel they’ve been unfairly left out.
Our Contentious Probate & Disputes team can support you in situations like this, whether you need advice on challenging a Will, defending a claim, or understanding your rights under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
If you’re concerned about a Will or believe a loved one’s estate isn’t being handled fairly, our team can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
Will Aid returns this November
Each November, Will Aid partners with law firms across the UK to help people make or update their Wills while raising money for charity.
Participating solicitors waive their usual fees and instead invite clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid. The suggested donations are £120 for a single Will and £200 for a pair of mirror Wills.
This year’s campaign supports Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, SCIAF (Scotland), Trócaire (Northern Ireland) and, new for 2025, Shelter and Crisis.
If additional advice is needed, such as a Lasting Power of Attorney or complex estate planning including trusts, this work is provided outside the scheme and will be chargeable.
A spokesperson for Will Aid said:
“It is shocking that so many people are unaware that marriage or remarriage cancels an existing Will. This could mean children from a previous relationship are unintentionally disinherited, or that estates are distributed in a way the deceased never intended.”
Free Wills Month at Bell Lamb & Joynson
We’re proud to be taking part in Free Wills Month this October, supporting WWF.
The campaign gives people aged 55 and over the chance to have a simple Will written or updated for free, while choosing to support WWF by leaving a gift in their Will.
Bookings open from 9am on 1st October 2025.
To arrange your appointment, please call 03444 124 348 and quote ‘Free Wills Week’.
Appointments are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Keeping your Will up to date
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we always recommend reviewing your Will when your circumstances change, including marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
With the right legal advice, you can make sure your wishes are protected and your loved ones are provided for.
To find out more or to arrange your Free Wills Month appointment, contact us today!