Mirror Wills

Mirror Wills are a matching pair of Wills made by a couple in substantially the same terms — each partner leaves their estate to the other, and on the second death the combined estate passes to agreed beneficiaries such as their children. They reflect each other like a mirror image. Importantly, mirror Wills are independent: either person can change or revoke their own Will at any time.

Mirror Wills suit couples with aligned wishes, but the survivor remains free to make a new Will after the first death. Example: Ben and Chloe each sign a mirror Will leaving everything to the other, then equally to their two children. Couples who want the arrangement to be binding on the survivor must instead use mutual Wills, which create an enforceable agreement not to change.