At Colchester Solicitor Asher Prior Bates we are regularly reminding clients how important it is to have a Will, so that your affairs are in good order and that uncertainty and potential conflict is minimised should something happen to you. 

Clients often forget to come back to us though when their circumstances change. These changes can include, buying a house, having children, getting divorce and often forgotten is “getting married”.   Did you know, getting married actually revokes any existing Will?

So whilst writing out your wedding invitations, do not forget that your Will or the Will of your spouse to be is also going to need attention 

There is however an exception to this rule, with couples looking to get married being able to make a Will on the lead up to their forthcoming marriage.  This Will will remain valid after your happy day, that is if the Will is carefully written by a lawyer and contains explicit instructions that you intend the Will to remain valid after marriage.  The Will itself will then state that it is made in “contemplation of the marriage” and declare that “the marriage will not revoke it”.

It is important to mention that the marriage referred to must also be proven to be a reality, rather than a possibility at some undefined point in the future.

If you get married and don’t think about or change your Will it can have disastrous consequences. Dying with out a Will means the intestacy provisions will come into effect and depending on your circumstances may leave your spouse with insufficient assets or may mean that your children from an earlier relationship miss out.

When making a Will that takes into best consideration your circumstances it is important to talk to a good solicitor.  For advice on wills, trusts and lasting power of attorney please do not hesitate to contact Daniel Ager on dager@apblaw.co.uk or call 01206 768 331