Does changing my name affect my will in the UK?
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In short: A name change does not automatically cancel a will the way marriage usually does in England and Wales — but a will in your old name makes probate harder. Finish any name update, then [make a new will](swiftwill.co.uk*) in your current name.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
Executors prove who you were. If the death certificate and bank records use a new name but the will uses an old one, they may need extra evidence and face delay. Remaking the will after the name settles is the cleanest fix.
Best practice: complete your name change and core ID updates first (see our [deed poll name-change guide](/family-life/deed-poll-name-change-uk/)), then sign a replacement [will](swiftwill.co.uk*) that revokes earlier ones. SwiftWill is from around £35 for a simple England and Wales will, with free lifetime updates when you re-sign.
Marriage is a separate rule — in England and Wales it usually revokes an earlier will entirely. Official will-making overview: www.gov.uk/make-will
Primary source: gov.uk/make-will
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