Does marriage revoke a will?
How the answer differs across 3 jurisdictions
IrelandFull article The Short Answer
Yes, marriage generally revokes a will in Ireland unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage.
Yes
Revokes will?
s. 85A
Relevant section
1965
Act year
Contemplation
Key exception
US-New YorkFull article The Short Answer
Yes, marriage generally revokes a prior will in New York unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage.
Yes
Revokes will?
EPTL 5-1.4
Governing law
30 days
Filing deadline for probate
Contemplation
Key exception
The Short Answer
Yes, in England and Wales, a will is automatically revoked by marriage unless it was made in contemplation of that specific marriage.
Yes
Revoked by marriage?
s. 18
Relevant section
1837
Enactment year
Automatic
Revocation type
Read Full Articles
IrelandDoes marriage revoke a will in Ireland?US-New YorkDoes marriage revoke a prior will in New York?
UKCan a will be revoked by marriage?Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.