Getting married makes your will invalid
Getting married makes your will invalid unless made in contemplation of marriage. But what about divorce?
You Have A Valid Will and You Get Married.
It is an old bit of but Law Section 18 of the Wills Act 1837 automatically revokes a Will.
However Section 18(3) allows for a Will not to be revoked on marriage if the Testator (the person making the Will):
(i) intended marriage to a specific person,
(ii) in the not too distant future and
(iii) did not want to have the Will revoked.
This is achieved by a 'Contemplation of Marriage' clause inserted in the Will.
This also applies to Civil Partnerships on the same footing as for marriage.
What Happens If You Divorce?
Put simply the former spouse is treated as if s/he had died on the date of divorce.
The effect on the Will is twofold - if nominated as an Executor this appointment is struck out and any gifts to the former spouse are struck out too.
It should be noted that divorce does not invalidate the Will
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