Mirror Wills
Mirror Wills from £245
Make a Will with someone else who has similar wishes to you.
In England and Wales, Mirror Wills, also known as joint Wills are frequently used by married and unmarried couples who have nearly identical wishes for their Wills. Mirror Wills consist of two separate legal documents that are almost identical, except for the names of the individuals and possibly their specific funeral arrangements. For instance, a couple with children might use mirror wills to stipulate that each person leaves their entire estate to the other. The surviving partner would then ensure that, upon their death, everything is divided equally among their children.
Mirror Wills are nearly identical legal documents, so if you and your partner have different wishes for your Wills, it’s better not to use mirror Wills. Instead, each person should have a separate will that outlines their individual requirements.
What are the advantages of a Mirror Will?
If you and your partner have similar wishes, mirror Wills can be a more cost-effective option compared to separate single Wills. For as little as £245, you and your partner can both legally outline your wishes. In England and Wales, if you die without a Will, it is known as dying intestate. The rules of intestacy will then dictate how your estate is distributed, determining who inherits your property, car, financial assets, possessions, and even your pets. If you die intestate and have no surviving relatives who qualify under these rules, the Crown will inherit everything.
What are the disadvantages of Mirror Wills?
Once mirror Wills have been created, either party can modify or update their Will independently without informing the other person. This also applies after one person’s death, as the surviving individual is not obligated to adhere to the original mirror Will. Therefore, it is crucial to seek proper advice and guidance when drafting mirror Wills.
At Haighs Wills and Estate Planning, we can assist both of you in creating mirror Wills to ensure that your wishes are clearly documented, directing your property and possessions to the people or charities you choose after your death.
Couples who have made standard mirror Wills (or do not have Wills) could unintentionally be gifting their home to care home fees. You should act now to protect your children’s inheritance. A Will based Trust enables you to safeguard at least part of your property. The Trust is activated when the Will comes into force, and not whilst you are still alive.
When making a mirror Will, or any other type of Will, it’s important to consider and plan for all potential scenarios, including what should happen if you both die together.
For friendly, helpful advice, call us today
Creating a Will can be straightforward and efficient with the help of a Will writing service. Here at Haighs Wills we offer expert guidance throughout the entire process. Our specialists will assist you with every step, from outlining your wishes to finalising your Will. Our advisors will discuss your preferences, provide tailored recommendations, and ensure that your Will meets your needs and circumstances.
Call us on:
07712 328368
Helping you plan for the future
Here are 5 simple reasons to choose Haighs Wills and Estate Planning for your professionally written Will and Lasting Power of Attorney.
- Face to Face Appointments
- Fixed prices from the outset
- Appointments at your home
- Large savings on solicitor fees
- Efficient, Punctual and Reliable
“As a professional Will Writer I’m passionate about helping you make the right decisions when it comes to your Estate Planning”
It’s really important to think about the future and start planning for your family after you are gone. By making a Will you can ensure that the people you want to benefit are looked after financially and in the case of children under the age of 18, who will care for them. As well as a Will, a Lasting Power of Attorney is also invaluable. If you’re in an accident, have a stroke, or lose mental capacity, a Lasting Power of Attorney legally specifies who will make those important decisions on your behalf.
Richard Haigh
Professional Will Writer and Estate Planner
In Association with
Haighs Wills and Estate planning are independent specialists who work in association with Countrywide Tax and Trust Corporation and are supported by a team of STEP qualified practitioners.
