From today, 21 June, big wedding ceremonies and receptions are back on in England, with no restriction on the number of guests who can be invited as long as it is held outside or in a Covid-secure public venue, and all social distancing rules are complied with.
This is great news for those families whose plans have been on-off-on-off over the last two years, and for all the venues and related businesses who make up the wedding economy in East Sussex.
Weddings in private homes are still subject to restrictions and can only take place with six people or two households present, although there is an exception if one person getting married is seriously ill, in which case 30 people can attend.
‘One thing that often gets forgotten in the excitement and expense of organising a wedding, is that a marriage will automatically make any previous will invalid (unless that will has been expressed as having been made in expectation of marriage to your intended spouse),’ says Dee Benians in the Private Client team at Hughes Solicitors in Heathfield.
It is particularly important to remember this where this is a second or third marriage and there are children or dependents from a previous marriage.
If one person dies without a valid will, then the distribution of assets must follow the rules of intestacy – and this may not be what you had in mind, or what other family members expect. This could then lead to a dispute and other problems after your death.
It is always best to make sure your wishes are clear and legally set out in a well-drafted will.
You just need to add ‘make an appointment with lawyer’ to that long list of wedding tasks, to ensure that this is not forgotten.
For further information on making a will, please contact our private client team in Heathfield, East Sussex on 01435 890 101 or email info@hugheslaw.co.uk.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since the date this article was published.