Wills, Trusts & Estates · Recently Divorced
Part of our wider Wills, Trusts & Estates services
Update Your Will After Divorce
Divorce automatically revokes any gifts to your ex-spouse in your will — but it does not revoke the will itself. If you die before making a new will, your estate may pass under the intestacy rules rather than to the people you intend.
We help recently divorced clients put a new estate plan in place quickly — new will, updated beneficiaries, revised LPAs, and a plan that reflects your new circumstances. Chester-based, acting across Cheshire, North Wales and England and Wales.
No obligation — talk through your options first. Costs explained clearly.
What divorce does — and does not — do to your will
Under English and Welsh law, divorce automatically revokes any gifts to your ex-spouse and any appointment of them as executor. However, it does not revoke the rest of your will. If your will leaves everything to your ex-spouse and there are no other beneficiaries named, your estate will pass under the intestacy rules — which may not reflect your wishes at all. Making a new will after divorce is not optional; it is essential.
What needs to change after divorce
New will
Your existing will needs to be revoked and a new one made — one that reflects your new circumstances, names the right beneficiaries, and appoints appropriate executors.
Updated Lasting Powers of Attorney
If your ex-spouse is named as your attorney in an existing LPA, you should revoke it and make a new one. An LPA made before divorce remains valid — your ex-spouse could still act as your attorney if you lose capacity.
Pension nominations
Pension death benefit nominations are not automatically affected by divorce. You need to contact your pension provider and update your nomination — otherwise your ex-spouse may still receive your pension on your death.
Life insurance beneficiaries
Check the beneficiary nominations on any life insurance policies. These are separate from your will and may still name your ex-spouse.
Trust arrangements
If you are a beneficiary or trustee of any trust that involves your ex-spouse, we advise on the implications and any steps that can be taken.
The team advising recently divorced clients
Laura Kirton
Wills & Probate Solicitor · 10 Years Qualified
Post-Divorce Estate PlanningLaura regularly advises recently divorced clients on updating their wills and estate plans. She understands the urgency and sensitivity of this work — and helps clients put a new plan in place quickly and clearly.
Darren Steele
Senior Private Client Executive · STEP Member
Estate PlanningDarren advises recently divorced clients on the full range of estate planning issues — including updating wills, reviewing trust arrangements, and planning for the next stage of life.
David Stahler
Wills, Trusts & Estates Executive
Estate PlanningDavid is our first point of contact for recently divorced clients enquiring about updating their estate plans. He brings a warm, personable approach to what can be a sensitive time.
Nikolina Vukovic
Legal Executive — Wills, Trusts & Estates
Wills & Estate AdministrationNikolina supports recently divorced clients through the process of updating their wills and estate plans — ensuring everything is in order for the next chapter.
Related estate planning services
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Lasting Power of Attorney
Update your LPA to remove your ex-spouse as attorney.
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IHT planning for your new estate structure.
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Related: Probate
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How to apply for a grant of probate — step by step.
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Related: Lasting Power of Attorney
Lasting Power of Attorney
Appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs if you lose capacity.
Types of LPA
Property & Financial Affairs vs Health & Welfare — which do you need?
Making an LPA
Step-by-step guide to making a lasting power of attorney.
LPA Costs
Solicitor fees, OPG registration fees and what affects the total cost.
Registering an LPA
How to register an LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.
Court of Protection
If a loved one has lost capacity without an LPA, a Court of Protection order may be needed.
Start the next chapter with the right plan.
Speak to a specialist about updating your will and estate plan after divorce. Sensitive, professional advice — costs explained clearly before any work begins.
No obligation — talk through your options first. Chester, Cheshire & North Wales.
Request a free initial consultation
Tell us about your situation and we will explain what needs to change — no obligation, costs clear from the outset.