If you’ve just binge-watched the latest season of Married at First Sight , you’ll know the drill: strangers meet at the altar, say “I do,” and then spend weeks testing whether they’re soulmates or just cohabiting chaos. Fast-forward to the reunion, and the spoiler is out, most couples aren’t together anymore, with many going through so-called “divorce proceedings.”

But while the show thrives on drama, romance, and the occasional wine-fuelled walkout, it skips one crucial detail: what happens to your will when you get married?

“I do” … undo your will

The legal twist no one saw coming

Under current English law, marriage automatically revokes any existing will, unless it was made in contemplation of marriage and explicitly says so. That means if you’ve carefully crafted your estate plan, naming children, friends, or charities, and then tie the knot without updating your will, your new spouse may inherit everything under intestacy rules.

It’s the kind of plot twist that would make even the MAFS experts gasp louder than a reunion reveal.

Predatory Marriage: when love bombs turn into legal bombs

Let’s be honest, some of the groom’s and bride’s on Married at First Sight give off more “walking red flag” than “romantic lead.” Whether it’s the love bomber, the gas lighter, or the one who’s mysteriously vague about his job and past relationships, viewers know the signs. But in real life, these dynamics can go far beyond awkward dinner parties.

Predatory marriage occurs when someone deliberately marries a vulnerable person — often elderly or lacking mental capacity, not for love, but for financial gain. Because marriage automatically cancels any existing will, the new spouse can inherit everything, even if the deceased had long-standing plans to benefit children, friends, or charities.

Families often only discover the marriage after death, when the will has effectively disappeared and the surviving spouse is legally entitled to the estate. Contesting it means proving lack of capacity, undue influence, or fraud,  a gruelling and complex process that leaves loved ones feeling powerless.

It’s the kind of drama that makes Married at First Sight look tame, and it’s happening off-screen, in real probate disputes across the country.

Reform incoming: wills that survive the wedding

Thankfully, change is on the horizon. The Law Commission has proposed reforms that would stop marriage from automatically revoking a will. If adopted, this would protect vulnerable individuals.

Under the proposed changes, a will would remain valid unless deliberately revoked. That means fewer surprises, more protection, and a legal system that reflects modern relationships, whether they start with a dating app or a reality TV altar.

Reality TV vs. real-life probate

On screen, the drama ends with a reunion special. In probate, it can drag on for years. Whether it’s a whirlwind romance or a long-term partnership, marriage has serious legal consequences, especially when it comes to your estate.

So if you’re planning to marry, already married, or supporting clients through probate disputes, make sure your will is up to date and legally watertight.

Final tips: don’t let romance rewrite your legacy

·       Review your will before and after marriage

·       Consider making a will in contemplation of marriage

·       Watch for signs of predatory behaviour in vulnerable loved ones

·       Seek legal advice early in contentious probate matters

·       Stay tuned for reforms that could change the game