Wills for Couples

When planning your future together, it's essential to have Wills that protect your partner and family. Our SRA-regulated solicitors specialise in Mirror Wills, the modern, flexible, and secure solution for all couples.

'Joint Wills' vs 'Mirror Wills': Understanding the Crucial Difference

It's a common point of confusion, but the distinction is vital for protecting your wishes. Our solicitors are experts in advising couples on the correct, modern, and legally secure way to plan their estates together.

What is a "Joint Will"?

A true Joint Will is a single legal document signed by two people. They are extremely rare in the UK today because they are inflexible and problematic.

It becomes legally binding on the survivor after the first person dies, meaning it often cannot be changed.
This can cause serious issues if the survivor remarries or their circumstances change drastically.
For these reasons, most modern solicitors strongly advise against them.

The Solicitor's Choice: Mirror Wills

Mirror Wills are two separate, individual Wills that "mirror" each other's terms. This is the professional standard for couples in the UK.

Each partner typically leaves their estate to the other.
You agree on who inherits if you both pass away (e.g., your children).
Crucially, the surviving partner retains the flexibility to change their Will in the future.
They are simple, secure, and cost-effective.

Real UK Case Study: The Danger of Inflexible Wills

Fry v Densham-Smith [2010]

The Situation: A couple made wills on the understanding that the survivor would not change their will after the first death (a concept similar to the intention behind a Joint Will). After the man died, his partner made a new will, leaving the entire estate to her own daughter and cutting out his children completely.

The Outcome: The court found that there was a binding agreement that the will would not be changed. The new will was ruled ineffective, and the man's children successfully claimed their inheritance, but only after a stressful and expensive legal battle.

What this means for you: This case highlights the immense legal complications that arise from inflexible arrangements. Standard Mirror Wills, as drafted by our solicitors, provide security while avoiding these dangerous legal traps.

A solicitor explaining the will writing process to a couple

How Our Mirror Wills Service Works

The structure is straightforward and designed to provide complete security for you both.

First Death: On the first death, the entire estate typically passes to the surviving partner. This transfer is completely tax-free between spouses and civil partners.
Second Death: On the second death, the estate then passes to your chosen secondary beneficiaries, such as your children, grandchildren, or other relatives, as agreed in both Wills.

Arrange Your Mirror Wills Today

"The whole process of planning our Wills felt daunting, but the team at Wildlings made it simple and straightforward."

"The whole process of planning our Wills felt daunting, but the team at Wildlings made it simple and straightforward. They gave us expert advice on inheritance tax we hadn't even considered. A truly professional service."

- Will Planning Client

"Zahid from Wildlings supported me navigate a situation that I had no experience in myself. His expertise guided me and lead me to a successful outcome. I'm sincerely grateful for his knowable support and continuous attentiveness throughout the entire process."

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"I cannot say enough good things about Wildlings Solicitors. They were incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and efficient throughout the entire process. They made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate and I am extremely grateful for their expertise."

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Your Questions About Wills for Couples

Can the survivor change their Mirror Will?

Yes. This is the key advantage over an old-fashioned Joint Will. After the first partner dies, the survivor is free to make a new Will to reflect any changes in their circumstances. If you are concerned about protecting children's inheritance, we can advise on including a specialist trust within your Mirror Wills.

What happens if we separate or divorce?

A divorce or annulment automatically treats your former spouse as if they had died before you, meaning any gift to them in the Will would fail. However, a legal separation does not change a Will. It is always best practice to create a new Will immediately following any significant relationship change.

We aren't married. Do we still need Mirror Wills?

Yes, it is arguably even more important for unmarried couples. Cohabiting partners do not have the same automatic inheritance rights as married couples under the Rules of Intestacy. Without Wills, the surviving partner may inherit nothing. Mirror Wills are the only way to guarantee your partner is legally protected.