Does marriage revoke a will in Ireland?

What the Law Says

Under Irish law, getting married automatically cancels (revokes) any existing will — but there is an important exception.

Section 85A of the Succession Act 1965 sets out the rule that marriage revokes a will. This means that if someone makes a will and later marries, that will no longer has legal effect — unless it was made 'in contemplation of the marriage'.

The law treats marriage as a major life change that triggers a fresh review of testamentary intentions. So unless the will clearly states it was made in expectation of the upcoming marriage, it is revoked on the date of marriage.

This rule applies regardless of whether the person intended to update their will after marriage — the revocation happens automatically by operation of law.

Statutory Text

Subject to subsection (2), the making of a marriage shall revoke any will made by either party to the marriage before the making of the marriage.

— Succession Act 1965, s. 85A — Effect of marriage on will

Statutory Text

(2) A will shall not be revoked by the making of a marriage if it is made in contemplation of the marriage with the intention that it should not be revoked by the marriage.

— Succession Act 1965, s. 85A(2) — Exception

What to Do

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