# Does getting married cancel my existing will?

> Source: https://purewill.co.uk/faqs/does-marriage-cancel-my-will (updated 19 May 2026)

**Short answer:** Yes. Marriage automatically revokes any will made before it in England and Wales. Find out what to do.

Yes. Getting married in England and Wales automatically revokes any will you made before the marriage, even if that will was written recently.

If you do not make a new will after marrying, your estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy when you die. That may not reflect your wishes, particularly if you have children from a previous relationship or want to leave specific things to specific people.

The only exception is a will written "in contemplation of marriage" — one that explicitly states it is intended to survive a specific forthcoming marriage. These are unusual and need to be drafted carefully.

If you have recently married, you almost certainly need a new will.

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