# Does divorce cancel my will in the UK?

> Quick answer · Last updated 22 July 2026

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## In short

In England and Wales divorce does not wipe your whole will, but gifts and appointments to your ex-spouse or ex-civil partner are usually treated as if they had died. Remarriage or a new civil partnership does revoke a previous will. After divorce, [make a new will](https://swiftwill.co.uk/).

Marriage or civil partnership generally cancels an earlier will unless it was made expressly in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce or dissolution is different: the will usually stays valid, but clauses that leave property to — or appoint as executor or guardian — your former spouse or civil partner are read as if that person had died before you.

That can leave gaps: residue may fall to other beneficiaries differently than you intend, or you may have no effective executor. Separation without divorce does not automatically change your will — update it if your wishes have moved on.

Best practice after divorce, remarriage or a new long-term relationship: sign a fresh [will](https://swiftwill.co.uk/) that revokes all earlier wills. SwiftWill is from around £35 once for a single England and Wales will, with free lifetime updates when you re-sign. Official guidance: https://www.gov.uk/make-will

## Related

- [When does marriage revoke a will?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/when-does-marriage-revoke-a-will/)
- [How to write a will (UK)](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/how-to-write-a-will-uk/)
- [How to update a will](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/update-your-will-codicil/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/make-will

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.