Simple Will vs Mirror Wills

What is a simple will?

A simple will is a standard will for one person. It sets out who inherits your estate, names your executors, and — if you have children under 18 — appoints guardians. Most people's needs are well served by a simple will.

A simple will can be as straightforward or as detailed as your circumstances require. "Simple" refers to the fact that it covers one individual, not that the estate itself must be simple.

What are mirror wills?

Mirror wills are two separate wills — one for each partner in a couple — that reflect each other's wishes. Typically, each partner leaves everything to the other, with the same backup beneficiaries (usually their children) if the other has already died.

Despite what some people think, mirror wills are not joint wills. Each will is a separate legal document that belongs to one person. They just happen to contain matching provisions.

When to choose mirror wills

Mirror wills work well when:

• You and your partner want to leave everything to each other
• You have the same children and want the same backup plan
• Your wishes are straightforward and aligned
• You want a cost-effective solution (mirror wills are usually cheaper than two entirely separate wills)

When mirror wills might not be right

Mirror wills may not suit your situation if:

• You have children from previous relationships and want to provide for them differently
• One partner has significantly more assets than the other
• You want to include trusts or complex provisions
• You disagree about who should inherit

In these cases, each partner may need a separately drafted will to address their individual circumstances.

Can one partner change their mirror will?

Yes. Because mirror wills are two separate documents, either partner can change or revoke their will at any time — even without telling the other. This is an important point to understand.

If your partner dies and you later change your will, there's nothing legally stopping you from diverting the estate away from the agreed beneficiaries. If this is a concern, you might want to discuss trust arrangements with a legal professional.

What about joint wills?

A joint will is a single document signed by two people. Joint wills are generally not recommended in England and Wales because:

• They can create complex legal problems after the first person dies
• The surviving partner may be unable to change the will even when circumstances change
• They can lead to disputes between the surviving partner and the beneficiaries

Mirror wills achieve the same effect as a joint will without these drawbacks.

Cost comparison

| Type | Typical cost | |------|-------------| | Simple will (one person) | £90–£250 online, £200–£500 solicitor | | Mirror wills (couple) | £150–£350 online, £300–£800 solicitor |

Mirror wills are almost always more cost-effective than two completely separate wills, because much of the drafting work is shared.

Making the right choice

For most couples with aligned wishes, mirror wills are the natural choice — they're efficient, affordable, and ensure both partners are protected. If your situation is more complex, you may still end up with wills that look quite different from each other, and that's perfectly fine too.

The important thing is that both of you have a valid, up-to-date will. Whichever type you choose, you're making the right decision for your family.