Definition
Mirror wills are two separate matching wills created by a couple, where each partner leaves their estate to the other first, then to the same beneficiaries after both have died.
These are the most common will structure for UK couples because they align shared estate planning goals while ensuring the surviving partner has complete financial security.
What Do Mirror Wills Mean?
Mirror wills are two separate, nearly identical wills created by couples where each person's will mirrors the other's provisions. Most commonly, each partner leaves their entire estate to the other if they die first, ensuring the surviving partner inherits everything. After both deaths, the estate passes to agreed beneficiaries, usually their children.
While virtually identical in content, they remain entirely separate legal documents. Each will must be properly executed according to the Wills Act 1837—signed by the will-maker and witnessed by two independent people. Mirror wills are the most popular will structure for UK couples because they coordinate estate planning while maintaining legal independence.
Crucially, mirror wills are not legally binding. Either partner can change their will at any time, without the other's knowledge or consent, even after one partner has died. For example, if Emma and David make mirror wills and David dies first, Emma inherits everything. Emma can then change her will to benefit a new partner or charity—David's children could be disinherited despite the original plan. This is the critical difference from mutual wills, which create a binding contractual agreement preventing changes after the first death.
Mirror wills offer significant inheritance tax advantages. Assets passing between spouses or civil partners are exempt from IHT under the spousal exemption. Any unused nil-rate band (£325,000 for 2024/25) transfers to the surviving partner, potentially giving a combined allowance of £650,000. If the family home passes to direct descendants, the residence nil-rate band can bring the total IHT-free allowance to £1 million.
Mirror wills work best for couples with straightforward estates and aligned wishes. They're ideal for first marriages with shared children. However, blended families may need additional protections like life interest trusts or mutual wills to prevent children from previous relationships being disinherited. Unmarried couples especially benefit from mirror wills, as cohabiting partners have no automatic inheritance rights—without a will, a surviving partner could inherit nothing.
Common Questions
"Do my partner and I need separate wills or can we make one joint will together?" You need two separate wills, not one joint document. UK law requires each person to make their own will. Joint wills signed by both partners are not valid in England and Wales.
"If my husband dies first, am I legally required to keep my will the same as we agreed?" No. Mirror wills create no contractual obligation. After your husband's death, you can change your will freely to benefit different beneficiaries, a new partner, or anyone else. If you want a binding arrangement, you'd need mutual wills instead.
"Will mirror wills protect my children's inheritance if I remarry?" No. You could change your will after your partner dies to benefit a new spouse, potentially disinheriting your children. To protect children's inheritance, consider a life interest trust or mutual wills.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: Mirror wills are legally binding—once we've made them, neither of us can change our will without the other's permission.
Reality: Mirror wills create no legal obligation. Either partner can change their will at any time, during their lifetime or after the first death, without informing the other. They're separate documents with similar content, not a binding contract. People confuse mirror wills with mutual wills, which create a legally enforceable agreement preventing changes after the first death.
Myth: Making mirror wills means we only need one will between us.
Reality: Mirror wills are two completely separate wills—one for each partner. Each must be individually drafted, signed, and witnessed. While solicitors often offer discounted pricing for couples (recognising administrative efficiency), you're creating two legal documents, not one. The "mirror" refers to matching content, not a shared document.
Related Terms
- Mutual Wills: Mirror wills with a binding contractual agreement preventing the survivor from changing their will after the first death.
- Beneficiary: People who inherit under mirror wills—typically the surviving partner first, then children.
- Residuary Estate: Mirror wills typically leave the entire residuary estate to the surviving partner.
- Will: Mirror wills must meet all standard legal requirements under the Wills Act 1837.
Related Articles
- Understanding Couples' Estate Planning: Learn when mirror wills are most appropriate for married couples and civil partners.
- Protecting Children's Inheritance in Blended Families: Explore protective alternatives like life interest trusts when standard mirror wills aren't enough.
Need Help with Your Will?
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Legal Disclaimer: This glossary entry provides general information about UK legal terminology and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.