More than half of adults unaware that marriage deems previous Wills invalid

We never understate the importance of making a Will. In fact, it’s often the most important legal document many people will ever put in place — yet, maybe surprisingly, far too many adults in the UK still don’t have one.

A recent survey by the charity Will Aid revealed a worrying statistic: over 56% of UK adults are unaware that marriage automatically revokes an existing will. This means that if you’ve made a Will and later get married, your Will becomes invalid — very often without you even realising it.

Why This Matters – And What It Means for You

This age-old legal rule remains in force despite recent recommendations from the Law Commission in its Modernising Wills Law report, which suggested changes to better reflect today’s family structures. With cohabitation now the norm and blended families very common, outdated laws can have serious consequences.

For example:

• Children from previous relationships may be unintentionally disinherited

• Your estate could be distributed in a way you never intended

• Cohabiting partners may receive nothing whatsoever if there is no valid Will

Unfortunately, many couples still believe in the myth of “common law marriage,” which we have often mentioned, which offers no legal protection when it comes to inheritance. Without a valid Will, the rules of intestacy apply — and they rarely reflect your actual wishes.

Our experienced Wills and probate solicitors in Staines are here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you're:

• Getting married or remarried

• Cohabiting without being married

• Concerned about tax planning or trusts

• Wanting to update an old Will

Our local team is ready to ensure your estate is protected and your wishes are legally binding.

If you’re unsure whether your existing Will is still valid, or you’ve never made one before, contact our trusted Wills solicitors in Staines for expert advice. We’ll help you create a Will that reflects your current circumstances and protects the people you care about most.