As an IFA, mortgage adviser, protection adviser or accountant, you’re used to spotting the obvious risks to a client’s wealth, attitude to risk, IHT exposure, beneficiary planning, business succession.
But there’s another risk that can unravel years of careful estate planning in a single step that’s not always immediately noticed: predatory marriage.
It isn’t widely discussed in advice circles, yet when it occurs the consequences can be significant, not only for the family, but for the integrity of the plan you thought was in place.
This matters most in long-term client relationships, particularly where a client is older, socially isolated, or their capacity may be changing.
Why this matters from a planning perspective
In England and Wales, marriage or civil partnership can revoke an existing Will unless that Will was written in contemplation of that specific marriage.
So, a client with a clear, valid Will can suddenly be treated as if they died without one, even if everyone “knows what they wanted”.
From there, the intestacy rules take over, and a spouse or civil partner may inherit in a way the client never intended.
This is one reason predatory marriage has been discussed in reform proposals, including calls to remove the automatic link between marriage and Will revocation.
What it can look like, without turning into a crime story
Predatory marriage concerns often only become obvious in hindsight. In real life, the early signs can look like ordinary relationship changes.
But patterns that merit a pause include:
- a new relationship that escalates quickly
- increased isolation from family or long-standing friends
- a new person acting as gatekeeper, controlling access or communication
- sudden changes in care arrangements, living situation, or routine
- pressure to marry quickly, framed as “romantic” or “practical”
- discomfort or avoidance around discussing planning, beneficiaries, or finances
Not every later-life relationship is suspicious. The point isn’t to assume wrongdoing, it’s to recognise when the legal consequences of marriage create a vulnerability.
Where advisers tend to see the early signals
Financial planners and advisers are often among the first to notice the “planning drift” that appears before anyone labels it a safeguarding issue.
For example:
- a sudden request to change beneficiaries
- a new partner pushing to be involved in meetings or communications
- unusual urgency around updating documents
- reluctance from the client to discuss decisions they previously handled confidently
- sudden changes to property arrangements or ownership plans
Even if you can’t prove anything, these are legitimate triggers to slow the process down and review planning properly.
Practical steps you can take (without becoming intrusive)
- Keep estate planning current
If a client is in a new relationship, considering marriage, or their circumstances are changing, it’s a prompt to review: - Will
- LPAs
- beneficiary choices
- document storage and access
- and whether the Will is written in contemplation of an intended marriage where appropriate
- Encourage LPAs early
LPAs won’t prevent a marriage, but they reduce vulnerability by ensuring trusted people can help with decisions and financial management if capacity becomes a concern.
- Watch for isolation
Isolation increases vulnerability. Regular contact and consistent planning conversations help keep decisions transparent and aligned with long-term intentions.
- Know there may be a time-sensitive window
There is a legal notice process for marriage. If safeguarding concerns are real, specialist advice should be taken quickly on what options exist, including whether a marriage caveat may be appropriate in certain circumstances.
If you suspect predatory marriage, what’s the next step?
This isn’t a situation to handle with accusations. That often backfires and increases isolation.
A calmer order of action is:
- document concerns factually (what changed, when, who is restricting contact)
- seek specialist advice quickly, capacity and safeguarding issues are time-sensitive
- where appropriate, involve adult safeguarding routes via the local authority
- consider urgent legal advice on preventative options during the notice period
The goal isn’t to “win”. It’s to protect autonomy, safety, and documented wishes.
Where Secure Inheritance fits
If you want a safe referral route for Wills and LPAs when circumstances are changing, we handle the planning side calmly, in plain English, and without pressure.
We don’t give financial advice, and we don’t interfere with your client relationship. We keep it light-touch and can confirm when the client has booked and when their documents are signed.
