Why Make a Will After a Break Up?
If you made a Will with your partner in mind and have since separated you may be wondering if your Will is still valid, or if your ex-partner will still inherit should you die. This is an important consideration as most often you will no longer want the ex-partner to inherit, or at least to the same extent. Speak to one of our Will & Estate Planning Consultants if you have separated with your partner, and we can review your existing Will for you, and advise you on the best approach, giving you peace of mind that your affairs are all in order for the future.
Reviewing your Existing Will
Did you know marriage revokes an existing Will? So it is worthwhile reviewing your Will if your circumstances change as you may find your Will is invalid, meaning your estate will not be distributed as you would wish it to be. If you are going through a divorce or currently divorced, it is still possible for a spouse to inherit from you unless you act to make or review a Will, so it is important to get in touch with one of our Will & Estate Planning Consultants as soon as you have separated or started the process.
Mirror Wills & Divorce
Mirror Wills are very common between spouses and a civil partnership, the idea being that both Wills reflect, or ‘mirror’ those of the other. In fact, although Mirror Wills in themselves are legally binding, there is no legally binding contract between the couple, and each is free to change their Will at any time, with or without the knowledge of the other partner. Revoking a Mirrored Will does not change the validity of your partner’s Will. If you wish to review a Mirror Will you have made with your ex-partner, get in touch with our experienced Will & Estate Planning Consultants today; our service is always completely discreet and confidential and we can guide you on your options, in line with your own specific requirements.
Powers of Attorney & Divorce
You may wish to review an existing power of attorney you have previously arranged if you no longer want your partner mentioned as someone who can make decisions for you on your behalf. If your chosen attorney is a spouse or civil partner and you divorce, the former spouse ceases to act as an attorney. If the former spouse was a sole attorney you may wish to appoint a new attorney.