Does marriage, separation or divorce affect my Will?
This blogpost is limited to New South Wales as the laws in each State and Territory differ in relation to these matters.
Marriage
If you get married after you sign a Will, the Will is revoked unless it is specifically stated to have been made in contemplation of that particular marriage taking place.
Marriage will not affect a gift to the person who is your spouse at your date of death or their appointment as your executor.
Entering into a defacto relationship does not have the same impact on a Will as a marriage, but this can give rise to other rights as regards the property of the relationship whilst the parties are alive (and claims in relation to the division of the estate on their deaths).
Divorce
Subject to the contrary intention being expressed in a Will, if you divorce after you make your Will, it only revokes or cancels any gift to a former spouse and their appointment as executor.
It will not however cancel their appointment as trustee of property left on trust for beneficiaries that include children of both you and your former spouse.
Separation
If you don’t update your Will after you separate, your spouse may inherit any property you left to them and they can still be the executor of your estate if named as such in theWill.
The take away
If any time your circumstances change (such as a birth or death in the family, a marriage, separation or divorce or a material change in finances for the better or the worse) you should consider whether your estate planning documents require any updates. It may be that no change is necessary, but it at least should be considered.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information in relation to Wills and estate planning, contact McKillop Legal on (02) 9521 2455 or email help@mckilloplegal.com.au
This information is general only and is not a substitute for proper legal advice. Please contact McKillop Legal to discuss your needs.
