Mirror Wills: What Are They and When Are They Suitable?
From the Wills and Probate Team at Phillips Solicitors
Mirror Wills are often chosen by couples who have similar wishes about what should happen to their estate after their death. A common example is where each person leaves their estate to the other, with the remaining estate passing to children or other beneficiaries after both have died.
For many couples, Mirror Wills provide a straightforward and cost-effective way of putting arrangements in place while ensuring both Wills reflect their shared intentions.
What Are Mirror Wills?
Despite the name, Mirror Wills are two separate legal documents.
Each person makes and signs their own Will. The Wills often contain very similar provisions, but they remain independent of one another.
It is important to understand that each person retains control over their own Will. Unless there is a separate legally binding arrangement, either person can change or replace their Will during their lifetime.
When Might Mirror Wills Be Suitable?
Mirror Wills can work well where:
- A couple have similar wishes about how their estate should be distributed.
- Assets are relatively straightforward.
- Both parties wish to leave their estate to each other and then to the same beneficiaries.
- There is a shared understanding about future inheritance arrangements.
They are often used by married couples and civil partners who want a simple and consistent approach to estate planning.
When Extra Care May Be Needed
Mirror Wills are not suitable for everyone.
Additional advice may be beneficial where:
- There are children from previous relationships.
- One person owns significantly more assets than the other.
- Business interests are involved.
- There are concerns about asset protection.
- There is uncertainty about what may happen after the first death.
In these situations, a different type of Will or wider estate planning arrangement may be more appropriate.
A Common Misunderstanding
Some people believe that Mirror Wills prevent the surviving partner from making changes after the first death. In most cases, this is not correct.
A Mirror Will is simply a separate Will containing similar terms. The surviving person will usually remain free to make a new Will if their circumstances or wishes change.
For this reason, it is important to consider carefully whether Mirror Wills are the right option for your particular circumstances.
Reviewing Mirror Wills
Like any Will, Mirror Wills should be reviewed regularly and particularly after significant life events, including:
- Marriage or civil partnership.
- Separation or divorce.
- The birth of children or grandchildren.
- Bereavement.
- Buying or selling property.
- Significant financial changes.
- Changes in relationships with Executors or beneficiaries.
GOV.UK recommends reviewing a Will every five years and after any major change in your life. Marriage will normally revoke an existing Will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage.
How Phillips Solicitors Can Help
Our Wills & Probate team can advise whether Mirror Wills are appropriate for your circumstances and explain the alternatives where they may not be.
We can:
- Prepare Mirror Wills tailored to your wishes.
- Advise on Executors, guardians, and beneficiaries.
- Consider the implications of blended families and second relationships.
- Review existing Wills following changes in circumstances.
- Provide practical guidance in clear and straightforward language.
Our aim is to ensure that your Will reflects your wishes and provides certainty for those you leave behind.
Contact Us
If you and your partner are considering Mirror Wills, contact Phillips Solicitors to arrange an appointment with our Wills & Probate team.
The right Will should fit your family’s circumstances, not simply follow a standard template.
You can contact us online or call 01623 658556 (option 4).
Useful links
- GOV.UK – Making and Updating a Will: Guidance on making a valid Will and reviewing it following major life changes.
- STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners): Independent information about Wills, succession planning, and estate administration.
- The Law Society: Information about obtaining legal advice on Wills and estate planning.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice on any individual case. The correct advice will depend on the facts, documents, family circumstances, and capacity position.