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Mirror Wills for Couples: How Do They Work?

· 13 min

Emma and David had been married for six years when they finally got around to discussing wills. "Should we just make the same will?" Emma asked. Their solicitor quoted them £780 for mirror wills—separate documents that would leave everything to each other first, then to their two children.

The couple hesitated at the cost. Three months later, David died unexpectedly in a cycling accident at age 38. Emma inherited his entire £340,000 estate under their mirror wills.

Two years later, she met someone new and remarried. Under UK law, her remarriage automatically revoked her mirror will—and because she hadn't made a new one, David's careful planning was undone. When Emma died, her new husband inherited everything under intestacy rules. David and Emma's two children received nothing from their father's estate.

This scenario plays out across the UK because couples don't understand one crucial fact: mirror wills aren't binding agreements.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how mirror wills work, when they're suitable, their hidden risks, and whether they're the right choice for your relationship—including how to create legally valid mirror wills online for £99.99 instead of £650+.

Table of Contents

What Is a Mirror Will?

A mirror will is one of two separate wills created by a couple (usually married or in a civil partnership) that contain nearly identical terms. Typically, each partner leaves everything to the other, then to the same beneficiaries (like children) if both die.

The key characteristic: these are two separate legal documents, not one joint document.

James makes a will leaving his entire estate to his wife Sarah, and if she predeceases him, to their three children equally. Sarah makes an identical will leaving everything to James, and if he predeceases her, to their three children equally. These are mirror wills.

Mirror wills are one of the most popular will types for couples due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Couples choose them for simplicity, aligned wishes, and cost efficiency compared to more complex arrangements.

But here's the critical distinction: unlike mutual wills, mirror wills are NOT binding agreements. Either partner can change their will at any time without telling the other.

Many couples believe mirror wills are binding contracts. They are not. This misunderstanding creates the biggest risk with mirror wills—a risk we'll explore in detail later.

How Do Mirror Wills Work in Practice?

Understanding how mirror wills function during different stages helps you assess whether they're right for your situation.

During both partners' lifetimes:

Each partner has their own separate will. Either can change their will without notifying the other. There's no legal obligation to maintain mirror terms.

If David decides to leave £10,000 to his brother, he can change his will without telling Emma. While not recommended for relationship harmony, it's legally permitted.

When the first partner dies:

The surviving partner inherits under the terms of the deceased's will, typically receiving everything. Assets passing between married couples and civil partners are exempt from inheritance tax regardless of value, thanks to spousal exemption.

The surviving partner still has their own will in place. Crucially, they can change their will at any time after inheriting.

When the second partner dies:

The estate is distributed according to the surviving partner's will at that time—not the original mirror will. This creates risk.

After Mark died, his widow Helen changed her will to leave her £420,000 estate to a new partner instead of Mark's children from his first marriage. Legally, she had every right to do this.

Legal requirements:

Each will must meet UK will validity requirements: you must be 18 or older, the will must be in writing, you must sign it in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign, and you must have mental capacity.

Mirror Wills vs Mutual Wills vs Joint Wills: What's the Difference?

Understanding the distinctions between these will types helps you choose the right option for your circumstances.

Feature Mirror Wills Mutual Wills Joint Wills
Number of documents Two separate wills Two separate wills One shared document
Legally binding No Yes (after first death) Varies
Can be changed Anytime, by either partner Only with mutual consent; never after first death Only with both partners' consent
Flexibility after first death Surviving partner free to change Surviving partner cannot change N/A
Common in UK Very common Rare Very rare (generally not recommended)
Cost £99.99-£650+ £800-£1,500+ Not widely offered
Best for Couples with aligned wishes, simple estates Couples needing binding protection (e.g., blended families) Not recommended by most solicitors

Mirror wills offer separate wills with similar terms, maximum flexibility, and no binding agreement between partners.

Mutual wills create a legally binding contract between partners that becomes irrevocable after the first death. They're complex and expensive. A will does not need to state it is a mutual will, nor does the agreement need to be in writing, which can lead to legal disputes. Most solicitors don't commonly recommend mutual wills due to inflexibility and risk of complications.

Joint wills combine one document for both partners. They're not common in UK practice and generally discouraged by legal professionals.

For most couples with aligned wishes, mirror wills offer the best balance of simplicity and cost. For blended families or those needing guaranteed protection, trusts may be more appropriate than mutual wills.

What Are the Benefits of Mirror Wills?

Mirror wills offer several advantages that make them the most popular choice for couples.

1. Cost-Effective

Online mirror wills cost £99.99 with WUHLD versus £650+ with solicitors. Co-op Legal Services charges from £245+VAT, while high street solicitors typically charge £650-£900. The legal validity remains the same—you're simply choosing how you create the documents.

2. Simple and Straightforward

Mirror wills require no complex legal structures. They're easy to understand and can be created online in 15 minutes. Couples answer simple questions about their wishes and generate valid mirror wills without legal appointments.

3. Flexibility

Either partner can update their will if circumstances change. There's no need to coordinate changes with your partner.

If Sarah wants to add a charity gift or update an executor, she can update her will independently without legal constraints.

4. Inheritance Tax Efficiency

Each individual has a £325,000 nil rate band for inheritance tax, frozen until at least 2030. Since October 2007, unused nil rate band transfers to the surviving spouse, giving couples up to £650,000 tax-free.

With the residence nil rate band (£175,000 per person for property left to direct descendants), couples can pass up to £1 million tax-free when leaving property to children.

James leaves his £300,000 estate to wife Anna. No inheritance tax applies due to spousal exemption. When Anna dies with a £700,000 estate, she can use both nil rate bands (£650,000) plus residence bands (£350,000), totalling £1 million tax-free.

5. Protection for Children

Both wills typically name the same ultimate beneficiaries (usually children). This creates a clear succession plan if both parents die together.

If both parents die in an accident, mirror wills ensure children inherit equally as intended, according to the terms both parents established.

6. Aligns with Couples' Natural Wishes

Most couples want to leave everything to each other first. Mirror wills reflect this common approach and work well for first marriages with shared children.

What Are the Risks and Disadvantages of Mirror Wills?

Understanding the risks helps you determine whether mirror wills suit your situation or whether you need protective alternatives.

1. NOT Legally Binding After First Death (The Biggest Risk)

The surviving partner can change their will at any time, potentially disinheriting originally intended beneficiaries.

After Robert died, his widow Margaret changed her will to exclude Robert's children from his first marriage, leaving her entire £520,000 estate to her own biological children. Robert's children received nothing. They had no legal recourse because mirror wills create no binding obligation.

A moral obligation exists, but not a legal one.

2. Remarriage Risk

Under UK law, remarriage automatically revokes all existing wills unless the will was made specifically in contemplation of that marriage.

When Linda remarried after her husband's death, her mirror will became invalid. She didn't realize this and never made a new will. When she died, intestacy rules meant her new husband inherited everything—her late husband's children received nothing.

If the surviving partner remarries, the estate may pass to the new spouse instead of your children unless a new will is created.

3. Blended Family Complications

Stepchildren have no automatic inheritance rights under UK law. According to Office for National Statistics data, around 8.8% of dependent children live in step-families in England and Wales.

Paul and Christine both had children from previous marriages. Their mirror wills left everything to each other, then all four children equally. After Paul died, Christine changed her will to benefit only her biological children. Paul's children were excluded.

Why does this happen? The surviving partner may prioritize their own children, experience financial pressure, or develop strained relationships with stepchildren over time.

4. No Protection Against Financial Mismanagement

The surviving partner could spend the entire estate, lose assets through poor financial decisions, or fall victim to fraud or undue influence. Assets inherited by the surviving spouse become fully owned by them and could be assessed for care home fees.

5. Changes Can Happen Without Notice

Either partner can change their will during both lifetimes without telling the other. This could cause family disputes if changes are discovered after death.

Sarah discovered after Michael's death that he'd changed his will six months earlier to leave £50,000 to his sister—money Sarah had assumed would be part of their shared estate.

6. Simultaneous Death Issues

If both partners die together in an accident, presumption rules apply. UK law presumes the younger person survived longer, which determines which will's terms apply for ultimate beneficiaries.

Mirror wills are particularly risky for:

  • Blended families with children from previous relationships
  • Couples with significant age gaps
  • Complex estates with business interests
  • Situations involving concerns about undue influence on the surviving partner
  • Cases where you need to guarantee specific bequests to particular beneficiaries

How Much Do Mirror Wills Cost?

Cost varies significantly based on the provider and service level you choose.

Provider Mirror Wills Cost What's Included Timeline
WUHLD £99.99 (one-time) 2 wills + storage guide + executor guide + free updates forever 15 minutes online
Which? Wills £156 2 wills + expert review 1-2 weeks
Co-op Legal Services £245+VAT (£294 total) 2 wills + free lifetime storage 2-3 weeks
High Street Solicitor £650-£900 2 wills + consultation 3-6 weeks

Online Will Services (£99.99-£156)

WUHLD charges £99.99 for a complete package. Which? Wills charges £156 for mirror wills. These services are affordable, fast, convenient, and legally valid. They're less suitable for very complex estates, but online wills have the same legal validity as solicitor-drafted wills if they meet UK requirements.

High Street Solicitors (£650-£900)

The average cost is £750 for a mirror will pair. You get face-to-face advice suitable for complex estates, but it's expensive, time-consuming, and requires appointments.

Complex business interests, agricultural property, significant overseas assets, or unusual family situations may benefit from solicitor advice.

What's Included with WUHLD

Two complete wills, storage guidance, executor guide, and free preview before payment. WUHLD allows couples to preview their complete mirror wills free with no credit card required before deciding to purchase.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Some providers charge ongoing storage fees, update fees, or review fees. WUHLD has no hidden fees, no subscriptions—just a £99.99 one-time payment with free updates forever.

When Are Mirror Wills the Right Choice?

Clear guidance helps you determine whether mirror wills suit your circumstances.

Mirror Wills Are Ideal For:

1. First Marriage/Partnership with Shared Children

Tom and Julie, married 12 years, have two children together. They want to leave everything to each other, then split equally to children. Mirror wills are perfect for this scenario.

Both partners have aligned wishes, trust each other completely, and have a simple estate structure.

2. Similar Financial Contributions

Both partners contributed to building the estate. Neither has concerns about the other's financial management. Most assets are jointly owned.

3. Straightforward Estates

Primary assets include the family home, savings, and pensions. There are no business interests or complex investments. Estate value is under £1 million, allowing full use of nil rate band allowances.

Emma and Chris own their £380,000 home jointly, have £60,000 in savings, and both have workplace pensions. Their straightforward estate is ideal for mirror wills.

4. Strong Relationship with Children

You're confident the surviving partner will honor your wishes. Children have good relationships with both parents. There's no family conflict or estrangement.

Consider Alternatives If:

1. Blended Family

Consider a Life Interest Trust instead. A Life Interest Trust allows the surviving partner to benefit from assets (like living in the family home) while guaranteeing assets pass to your children after their death. Life Interest Trusts are popular with blended families—they ensure children ultimately inherit while protecting the surviving partner's housing.

2. Significant Age Gap

If you're concerned about remarriage of the younger partner and want to guarantee children inherit, consider protective trust arrangements.

3. Complex Estate

Estates with business interests, agricultural property, overseas assets, or values over £2 million need inheritance tax planning. Seek specialist solicitor advice for estates over £2 million or with complex structures.

4. Concerns About Undue Influence

If a partner is vulnerable and might be manipulated, or if you're concerned about future partners influencing changes, consider mutual wills or trust-based protection.

5. Specific Bequests Must Be Guaranteed

If you want to guarantee specific items or amounts to particular people, consider leaving specific bequests in your will or using trusts.

Decision Framework:

Ask yourself: "Do we trust each other completely to honor our wishes?" "Are our children from our current relationship only?" "Is our estate straightforward (home, savings, pensions)?"

If yes to all three, mirror wills are likely suitable. If no to any, consider alternative arrangements.

How to Create Mirror Wills in the UK

You have two main options for creating legally valid mirror wills.

Option 1: Create Mirror Wills Online with WUHLD (£99.99)

Step 1: Start Free Preview (No Credit Card Required)

Visit the WUHLD website and click "Create Your Will." No payment or commitment is needed to start.

Step 2: Answer Simple Questions (15 Minutes)

Provide personal details (name, address, marital status), name beneficiaries (who inherits if your partner dies first), choose executors (who manages your estates), appoint guardians for children under 18, and specify any particular gifts or bequests.

Both partners answer the same questions separately to create their individual wills.

Step 3: Preview Your Mirror Wills (Free)

Review complete wills before paying. Check all details are correct and make unlimited changes. You can see exactly what your mirror wills say before paying anything.

Step 4: Download and Print (After £99.99 Payment)

Pay the one-time £99.99 fee and instantly download both wills. Print two copies of each will. You'll also receive storage guidance and an executor guide.

Step 5: Sign with Witnesses

Each partner signs their own will. Under the Wills Act 1837, wills must be signed by the testator in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign. Two independent witnesses must be present for each will (witnesses must not be beneficiaries).

All three people must be present at the same time. Witnesses sign to confirm they saw you sign.

Step 6: Store Safely

Keep original wills in a safe place. Tell executors where wills are stored. Consider registering with the National Will Register (optional).

Option 2: Create Mirror Wills with Solicitor (£650+)

Book an initial consultation with a local solicitor. The initial meeting to discuss wishes takes 1-2 hours, and the solicitor assesses estate complexity.

Receive draft wills after 1-2 weeks. Review and request changes. Return to the solicitor office for a final signing appointment. Sign wills with witnesses provided by the firm. The solicitor may offer storage (often for an additional fee).

Pay legal fees, typically £650-£900 for a mirror will pair, which may include storage for a set period.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choose online (WUHLD) if you have a straightforward estate, are comfortable with the digital process, want to save £550+, and need wills quickly.

Choose a solicitor if you have a very complex estate (business, overseas assets), need face-to-face reassurance, or have an unusual family situation.

Legal Validity Assurance:

Both methods produce legally valid wills. The same legal requirements apply. An online will has the same legal validity as a solicitor-drafted will, provided it meets UK requirements: written, signed, and witnessed correctly.

What Happens to Mirror Wills When One Partner Dies?

Understanding the process after death helps you prepare and make informed decisions.

Immediate Steps After Death:

1. Locate Deceased Partner's Will

Check the home safe or filing cabinet. Ask the executor if it's a different person. Check if the will is registered with the National Will Register. Contact the solicitor if the will is stored with them.

2. Apply for Probate

The executor named in the will applies for Grant of Probate. This is required if the estate value is over £5,000 or includes property. Probate typically takes 4-6 months in straightforward cases. The executor can be the surviving spouse or an independent person.

3. Estate Administration

The executor gathers all assets, pays debts and taxes, and distributes according to will terms (typically everything to the surviving spouse). Assets passing to a surviving spouse or civil partner are exempt from inheritance tax regardless of value, thanks to spousal exemption.

4. Surviving Partner Inherits

Assets transfer to the surviving partner per will terms. This usually includes the share of property, bank accounts, investments, and personal possessions.

When David died, Emma inherited their jointly-owned £340,000 home (her half plus his half), his £45,000 savings, and his personal possessions under their mirror wills.

What Surviving Partner Should Do Next:

1. Review Your Own Will

Your mirror will is still valid. Consider whether you want to make changes. You are legally free to change your will at any time—there's no obligation to maintain original mirror terms.

Consider whether circumstances have changed, your financial situation has altered, or you want to add or change beneficiaries.

2. Understand You Can Change Your Will

It's common for surviving partners to update wills. Reasonable changes include updating executors, adding new grandchildren, or adjusting amounts. Remember, changing beneficiaries could disinherish originally intended recipients like children.

3. Be Aware of Remarriage Risk

If you remarry, your current will becomes automatically invalid unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage. Make a new will before remarrying. Consider protective trusts if you have children from your first marriage.

4. Consider Protective Trusts Now

If you have children from a previous relationship of your deceased partner, consider a Life Interest Trust. It allows you to benefit from the estate while guaranteeing children inherit.

After Mark died, Helen created a Life Interest Trust that let her live in their £450,000 home for life but guaranteed the property would pass to Mark's children when she died.

5. Keep Will Updated

Review every 3-5 years. Update after major life events (births, deaths, divorce, remarriage). With WUHLD, free updates for one year are included.

If Both Partners Die Together:

UK law presumes the younger partner survived the older partner. This affects which will's terms apply for ultimate beneficiaries. Both wills should name the same ultimate beneficiaries (typically children) to avoid issues.

If Tom (45) and Julie (42) die together, law presumes Julie survived. Her will's terms determine how the estate passes to their children.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mirror Wills

Can unmarried couples make mirror wills?

Yes, unmarried couples (including cohabiting partners) can and should make mirror wills. However, mirror wills are even more critical for unmarried couples because they have no automatic inheritance rights under UK intestacy laws. If an unmarried partner dies without a will, the surviving partner inherits nothing—the estate passes to blood relatives instead. Mirror wills ensure you inherit from each other as intended.

Do both partners need to use the same will service?

No, technically each partner could use different services since mirror wills are separate legal documents. However, using the same service (like WUHLD) ensures consistency, saves money (mirror will packages cost less than two separate wills), and makes updating easier. It also ensures both wills truly mirror each other in terms and structure.

Can I change my mirror will without telling my partner?

Legally, yes—mirror wills are not binding contracts, so either partner can change their will at any time without notifying the other. However, this is generally not recommended as it can cause family conflict and undermine the purpose of coordinated planning. If circumstances change significantly, it's better to discuss changes with your partner and update both wills together.

What if my partner changes their will after I die?

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent your partner from changing their will after you die if you have mirror wills (not mutual wills). This is the main risk of mirror wills. If you need binding protection—for example, to guarantee children from a previous relationship inherit—consider mutual wills or a Life Interest Trust instead of mirror wills.

Are mirror wills recognized in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

The concept of mirror wills exists in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but the legal requirements differ. Scottish wills require only one witness (not two), and Scotland has different inheritance laws (children have stronger legal rights). Northern Ireland has different intestacy rules. This article focuses on England and Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, consult a local solicitor.

Can we include guardianship for children in mirror wills?

Yes, both partners should name the same guardians for children under 18 in their mirror wills. If both parents die, the named guardians will care for the children. Guardianship appointments must be in your will to be legally valid. WUHLD's mirror will service includes guardianship appointments for parents with minor children.

Do we need to update mirror wills if we have another child?

Yes, you should update both mirror wills when you have another child to ensure they're included as a beneficiary. While UK law provides some protection for children accidentally omitted from wills (they may be able to claim under the Inheritance Act 1975), it's far better to update your wills promptly. With WUHLD, updates are free for the first year.

Protecting Your Family Starts with the Right Decision

Mirror wills work beautifully for couples in first marriages with shared children, aligned wishes, and straightforward estates. They offer simplicity, cost savings, and flexibility.

But they're not suitable for everyone.

Key takeaways:

  • Mirror wills are separate documents with no binding agreement—either partner can change their will anytime
  • Remarriage automatically revokes your will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage
  • Blended families need protective alternatives like Life Interest Trusts
  • Online mirror wills (£99.99) have the same legal validity as solicitor-drafted wills (£650+)
  • The surviving partner inherits tax-free under spousal exemption, with up to £1 million potentially passing tax-free to children

If you're in a first marriage with shared children and straightforward assets, mirror wills are probably perfect for you.

Create your legally valid mirror wills today with WUHLD. Our step-by-step platform ensures you meet all UK legal requirements.

For just £99.99 (vs £650+ for a solicitor), you'll get:

  • Two complete, legally binding mirror wills
  • A storage guide explaining how to keep your wills safe
  • An executor guide to help your chosen executors
  • Free updates for the first year

You can preview your entire wills free before paying anything—no credit card required.

Preview Your Will Free – No Payment Required

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about mirror wills in England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your individual situation, please consult a qualified solicitor. WUHLD's online will service is suitable for straightforward UK estates; complex situations (business interests, overseas assets, blended families requiring trusts) may require professional legal advice. This article applies to England and Wales only; Scotland and Northern Ireland have different inheritance laws and will requirements.

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