I am not married. Will my partner inherit my estate?

Unmarried partners and partners who have not registered a civil partnership cannot inherit from each other unless there is a will in place. Do not assume that just because you have been living together, your partner will automatically be granted what is yours. Many unmarried couples still believe that if they co-habit with their partner for a long time they will be automatically entitled to the estate as a common-law husband/wife. This is however, a myth.

It is, therefore, very important for unmarried partners to make wills. If you do not make a will then you may create serious financial problems for your surviving partner after you die.

I am getting married, will this cancel my will?

Marriage and civil partnership will revoke (cancel) an earlier will unless the will has been made in expectation of the marriage. It is, therefore, very important that anyone entering into marriage or civil partnership review the terms of their existing will and make a new one where necessary.

I am getting divorced/dissolution of my civil partnership, will this cancel my will?

When a decree absolute (a court order which finalises a divorce) is made or, in the case of a civil partnership, a decree of dissolution (a court order which brings a civil partnership to an end), any provisions contained in a will which benefit the former spouse or former civil partner are automatically revoked.

For anything further, one of our specialists would be delighted to meet you either in our office or in your own home to talk through your requirements and answer any questions. Please contact us at any time.