A wedding can change more than your surname or household arrangements. In Ireland, marriage generally revokes an existing will unless the statutory exception for a will made in contemplation of that marriage applies. That makes a will review an important part of planning for the wedding, rather than a task to leave for later.
If an earlier will is revoked and no valid replacement is made, the estate may be distributed under intestacy rules. The result can differ significantly from the wishes recorded in the old document.
Review before the wedding
If you want to make a will before marrying, tell your solicitor or document provider about the planned marriage. Do not assume that mentioning your fiancé or fiancée as a beneficiary is enough to bring the will within the exception.
The drafting should address the intended marriage properly. Where there is an existing civil partnership, a previous marriage or a cross-border relationship history, obtain individual advice. These details can affect the legal position and should not be reduced to a standard assumption.
Consider your spouse's rights
A surviving spouse has protected inheritance rights under Irish law. Where there is a will, the legal right share is generally one-half of the estate if there are no children and one-third if there are children, subject to matters such as a valid renunciation or relevant court order.
These rights need to be considered alongside gifts to children, relatives or charities. A promise to leave an asset elsewhere may not operate as expected if it conflicts with a protected entitlement.
Plan as individuals
Couples often want similar wills, but each person should make their own decisions and understand their own document. A matching arrangement does not necessarily prevent either person from changing their will later.
This matters particularly where one or both partners have children from an earlier relationship. Leaving everything outright to the survivor may not ensure that those children eventually inherit.
After marriage, confirm that the signed documents still reflect the intended arrangement. Review pension nominations, insurance and property ownership separately too. A well-organised wedding file is useful, but an equally clear estate plan protects the people whose lives are becoming more closely connected.
Sources and further reading
General information, not advice on your individual circumstances. Laws and tax rules can change; check the linked official guidance and obtain professional advice where needed.