Mirrored Wills

Protect each other and plan for the future

Mirror Wills are designed for couples who want to make broadly matching arrangements for what should happen to their estates. They are two separate legal wills, one for each person, which usually contain similar wishes about who should inherit.

For many couples, a Mirror Will provides a straightforward way to protect each other while ensuring their chosen family and beneficiaries are provided for in the future.

What are the benefits of Mirror Wills?

Protecting your partner

A Mirror Will can ensure that your estate passes to your partner if you die first, helping to provide financial security for the surviving partner. This can be particularly important for unmarried couples, as partners do not automatically inherit from each other under the rules of intestacy.

Making your wishes clear

Mirror Wills allow couples to make matching arrangements for their estates. A common approach is for each person to leave their estate to the other, with the remaining estate then passing to children or other chosen beneficiaries when the second partner dies.

Providing for your children

Your wills can clearly establish who you would like to inherit from your estates. Where appropriate, they can also include provisions relating to children, including appointing guardians for children under 18.

Two individual wills

Although they are known as Mirror Wills, they are not one shared document. Each person has their own individual will dealing with their own estate and wishes.

Flexibility for the future

Circumstances can change. Relationships, family arrangements, assets and financial circumstances may all develop over time. Mirror Wills can generally be changed during your lifetime, allowing your estate planning to be reviewed as your circumstances change.

A simple solution for many couples

Where two people have similar wishes for their estates, Mirror Wills can provide a straightforward and cost-effective approach to putting those wishes in place.

Are Mirror Wills right for you?

Mirror Wills are often suitable for couples whose wishes are broadly aligned. However, everyone's circumstances are different.

It's important to understand that a Mirror Will does not normally prevent the surviving partner from changing their will after the first partner dies. If you want to make sure that assets ultimately pass to particular beneficiaries, regardless of what happens after the first death, more specialist estate planning may be appropriate.

At Newquay Wills & Estates, we can discuss your circumstances and help you understand the options available, so you can put the right arrangements in place for you and your family.

Make sure your wishes are clear and your loved ones are protected.