Are Our Wills Still Valid?

[notlynx]

My fiancé and I made mirror wills years ago. We married recently and I am worried that the wills are consequently invalid. Is this so?

[bhg481]

Yes. Marriage nullifies a will unless you state specifically when making it that it is in anticipation of an imminent marriage.

[barry1010]

The good news is that you can write new wills simply by copying the old ones, using your married name if you changed it, and the current date.
Sign them in front of two witnesses who aren't beneficiaries and they will be valid.

[Peter Pedant]

congrats first
yes is the short answer

( no blah blah de blah main exception is if you state clearly it is made in contrmplation of marriage, AND you married the gal and not someone else)

[notlynx]

Thanks for the replies, very much appreciated. If only we had known this at the time - sorry, nice people - before he passed away following a major heart attack. Kind of hard learning that too late, but there you go, I guess.

[barry1010]

I am so sorry for your loss, notlynx. I am sure you could do without this complication but hope it sorted out satisfactorily

[Hymie]

So your husband died without making a valid will – as his wife, most if not all of his estate would pass to you.

[bhg481]

As hymie says, without a valid will most of his estate will pass to you. It is within your power to distribute his assets as he would have wished as they are yours now. In other words, if he had promised a certain person something in his will you are perfectly able to fulfil that promise; once his possessions are yours you can do what you want with them.

[Peter Pedant]

sorry for your major loss notlynx
you missed out a little minor detail ( you buried him last week)

Rules of intestacy apply ( and yo get the major part ) BUT----his kids may have a claim, AND esp if he was supporting one

at present ( intestate) no one is in charge and you need to get letters of admin before doing anything. - or being allowed to do anything.
altho I am sorry to say it - - you may have to see a solicitor ( £200/h) to get this sorted

yes - major problems

[Peter Pedant]

Make a will folks! - two of my neighbours have just died without wills and altho it is clear who gets what - - - it is still causing chaos

[notlynx]

So kind of you, one and all, and helpful, thank you. Feel like I’m gazing up at a mountain right now, but - courage, mon ami! One step at a time, eh? Thank you.