Getting married is one of the most momentous occasions in anyone’s life. From an emotional, social, and even legal perspective, making a commitment to another individual carries with it a lot of weight and responsibility. The bond formed between two people is intended to last a lifetime, demonstrating the commitment of a couple to each other, through thick and thin . . . for better or for worse.
But, as we will explain, that bond also endures beyond a lifetime!
We all love a wedding. It’s a joyful and monumental event that marks a new chapter of a couple’s life together. If you have recently married or are considering tying the knot, it’s unlikely that you want to spend too much of your time thinking of a morbid subject like death. After all, you have a whole life to lead with your one true love.
But it’s important to consider how this huge shift in your life will impact the way your spouse, dependents, friends, and family are looked after when you’re gone.
Writing a will might seem like a huge hurdle to overcome, but understanding more about the process will help you break it down and see it through. We’re going to take a closer look at the impact of marriage on your last will and testament, and the support available to help you make sure your agreement is up to date and clear as day.
The Impact of Marriage on Your Will
Once you’re married, any existing will is automatically revoked, and will no longer be considered valid. If you don’t make a new one, the rules of intestacy will decide how your assets are divided in the event of your death. Usually, this means your entire estate will go to your spouse.
However, this may not be what you want for a number of reasons. For example, if you have children from a previous relationship, it may be that you want to allocate a portion of your estate to them. Or perhaps you simply wish to make a donation to a charitable organization. As such, you’ll need to either make a will as soon as you marry, or make one beforehand in anticipation. In this latter situation, the will would take effect as soon as you are married.
What Happens if You Divorce?
If your marriage ends by court order through divorce or annulment, your will is treated as though your spouse has died on the date of the final order of divorce. This means that any assets left to your spouse fall back to residuary beneficiaries. If you left everything to them, the rules of intestacy will once again take effect.
To avoid any mistakes, it’s best to make a new will soon after your divorce – especially if your ex-spouse was a beneficiary or a trustee. You don’t have to wait for the final order of divorce for the new will to become valid, so acting fast is the best way to achieve peace of mind regarding your assets.
When Changes Occur, Will Writing Support is Available
Writing your will can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when a big life event is taking place. That’s why many people choose to seek out support to ensure that their agreement is iron-clad and tailored to their current circumstances. Head of Wills, Probate, and Trusts at Winn Solicitors, Rebecca Harbron Gray, explains the importance of effective will writing, saying:
“Many people avoid writing a will and making plans for death for many years because they think it is a morbid or depressing process. But the truth is often that, once complete, people get a sense of comfort and relief from knowing they have done all they can to protect and care for their nearest and dearest.
“At Winn Solicitors, our team has decades of experience in this specialist field of law and we know how to make it simple and stress-free – no matter how complex your estate or family situation.”
With a dedicated team of legal specialists in settling affairs, Winn Solicitors can help you create a will that offers complete peace of mind and security for your family, no matter what the future holds.
If you’re looking for an expert Will Writing Service, get in touch with Winn Solicitors today.