If I had a Will before I got married last year, is it still valid do I need to do another?
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If I had a Will before I got married last year, is it still valid do I need to do another?
I would like the terms of the Will to stay the same.
Asked on March 23, 2014 under Estate Planning, Georgia
Answers:
Paula McGill / Paula J. McGill, Attorney at Law
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
In Georgia, you should review your will with an attorney after you are divorced, married, or your spouse dies. If your spouse was not named in the will, you can reference the fact in the new will or codicil that you are now married, but all prior provisions remain the same. Remember, even with a will, a spouse can elect a year's support that will decrease the amount you transfer to your other beneficiaries.
Marjorie DeCastro-Hirsch / The Law Offices of DeCastro-Hirsch, P.A.
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
I would recommend you address this with your attorney to avoid issues in the future. You may want to include your wife in the Will to make clear what your wishes are. If you will not be including her in your Will, you may want to modify the Will to clearly state it as well.
Anne Brady / Law Office of Anne Brady
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
If you do not want to change the terms of your will, then you do not need to draft a new will simply because you got married. However, it might be a good idea to make it clear that your intent was to have the terms of the will be the same as they were before the marriage, that your failure to get a new will leaving your things to your now wife was not a mere oversight on your part.
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