In the News: Marriage Law Reform – What It Means for Your Will and Estate Planning

If you’re planning a wedding or recently tied the knot, there’s more to think about than just the venue and guest list. The UK has introduced changes to marriage law—and they could affect your Will and how your estate is handled.

What’s New in Marriage Law?

The law will allow couples to marry in a wider range of locations, including gardens, beaches and heritage sites. The focus is no longer on the venue but on the officiant, meaning more flexibility in how and where you say “I do.”

Importantly, ceremonies from Humanist and non-traditional religious backgrounds—such as Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim weddings—will be legally recognized, which intends to make the process more inclusive and personal.

Why This Matters for Your Will

Until now, getting married would automatically cancel any existing Will—unless that Will was made specifically in contemplation of the forthcoming marriage. This rule has caused many people to unintentionally die without a valid Will, leaving their estate to be distributed under default rules that may not reflect their wishes.

What’s Changing?

The Government proposes to end the automatic cancellation of Wills upon marriage, which means that your Will would remain valid even after you marry—unless you choose to update it.

Other proposed updates to the Wills Act include:

• Electronic Wills: These would be legally recognised if stored securely.
• Lowering the age to make a Will to 16.
• Allowing courts to accept informal documents as valid Wills in certain cases.
• Reviving Wills that were previously revoked, if your marriage or civil partnership ends.

What Should You Do?

1. Review your Will regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, separation or divorce, or having children.
2. Make sure your Will reflects your current intentions, including who you want to inherit your estate.
3. Speak to a legal adviser about how these changes might affect you and your family.

How we can help

Marriage is a joyful milestone but it’s also a legal one. These reforms make it easier to celebrate your relationship your way, while also giving you more control over your legacy. Please do get in touch with our specialists to discuss further or come to our free legal advice surgery – every Thursday between 4.30pm and 6pm