01
Your existing Will
In several Australian jurisdictions, marriage can revoke an earlier Will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage. Confirm the position that applies to you.
The legal position
Marriage revokes an existing Will in every Australian state and territory. The principal exception is a Will made in contemplation of that marriage. Statutes also preserve limited provisions in some jurisdictions, including certain gifts or appointments benefiting the person you marry.
What may need attention
02
People and appointments
Review beneficiaries, executors, guardians and substitute appointments so they reflect your current relationships and intentions.
03
Assets outside the Will
Superannuation, insurance and jointly owned property may follow separate nomination or ownership rules and should be reviewed alongside the Will.
When professional advice matters
Get legal advice if you are part of a blended family, have children from an earlier relationship, own assets overseas, use trusts or companies, or are uncertain whether marriage affected an existing Will.
Ready to take the next step?
Pay $149 once for your Will. Add unlimited updates for $25 a year to keep it current as life changes.
Useful official information
NSW Succession Act 2006, sections 12–13 ↗Queensland Succession Act 1981, sections 14–15B ↗South Australia Succession Act 2023, sections 18–19 ↗Tasmania Wills Act 2008, sections 16–17 ↗Western Australia Wills Act 1970 ↗ACT Wills Act 1968 ↗Victoria Wills Act 1997 ↗Northern Territory Wills Act 2000 ↗Legal Aid WA: Wills and relationship changes ↗Australian Taxation Office: Superannuation death benefits ↗
General information only, not legal, financial, tax or medical advice. The effect of a life event depends on your jurisdiction, documents and circumstances.