What is a Mirror Will?

Mirror Wills, sometimes called joint wills are a popular choice for married and unmarried couples.

They are called Mirror Wills because they are two individual legal documents that are identical in structure, with the exception of the partner’s name and any personal wishes for funerals.

For example, a married couple with children can decide to leave their entire estate to each other if one of them passes away – and should they both die, the children will receive everything from both parents.

Should I get a Mirror Will?

Most couples have the same ideas and wishes for their estates – this is when a Mirror Will is useful. However, should both people want different beneficiaries or conditions written into their will, it would be better to have two single wills prepared that outline the different requirements.

Please note that if you choose to proceed with two Single Wills but you have joint assets, it means that should one of you pass away first, the estate would be passed down to the surviving spouse’s beneficiaries. This means that you would be taking a gamble on who passes away first.

How much does a Mirror Will cost?

Preparing a Mirror Will with Zenco costs £349.

What are the advantages of using a Mirror Will?

Preparing a Mirror Will allows you to clearly define how you want your assets and family to be cared for after your death, giving peace of mind to yourself and loved ones.

If you die before preparing a Will in England or Wales, your family cannot access your estate and who inherits what is decided by the law with no concern for your wishes.

What are the disadvantages of using a Mirror Will?

Once a Mirror Will has been written, either party can make changes to their will without telling the other. If one person dies, there is nothing to prevent the living partner from cancelling their original Mirror Will. It’s worth noting that due to the importance of Wills, you should seek as much guidance and professional advice as possible before putting a will in place.