Wills & Documents · Wills
Mirror wills are a matching pair of wills for a couple, where each of you leaves your estate to the other and then, on the second death, to your children or chosen people. They are a simple, affordable way for couples with the same wishes to plan together. We draft both wills, explain exactly what they do, and make sure they are signed and witnessed correctly.
At a glance
Who it is for
Couples, married or not, who share the same wishes and want two matching wills.
A matching pair
Two near-identical wills, one for each of you, that reflect each other.
South Wimbledon office
Our wills service is offered from our South Wimbledon office.
Fixed fee for the pair
A clear fixed fee for both wills, agreed in writing before we start.
Mirror wills are two wills, usually made by a couple, that mirror each other. Each of you leaves your estate to the other, and then sets out what should happen when you have both died, typically leaving everything to your children or to the people you choose together. Each will appoints the other as executor, with substitutes in case they are unable to act.
They are popular because most couples with a home and a family want the same thing: to look after each other first, and then their children. Mirror wills let you plan that together, in two matching documents, for one clear fee. If your wishes are simple and you both agree, they are often all you need. Where your affairs are more individual, a pair of separate simple wills may suit you better, and we can advise on which fits.
A pair of mirror wills lets you deal clearly, and consistently, with the things that matter to you both:
This is the most important thing to understand, and it is where many couples are caught out. Mirror wills are two separate wills. They are not a contract, and one does not lock the other. Either of you can change or replace your own will at any time, and, crucially, the survivor can change their will after the first of you has died. That means the person left behind could, in principle, leave the estate somewhere other than the two of you had planned.
For most couples who trust each other, this flexibility is a good thing. But if you are worried about it, for example because you have children from an earlier relationship, or you want to make sure the survivor cannot cut your children out, mirror wills alone may not be enough. Options such as a life interest trust in each will can protect a share for your children while still providing for the survivor. In rare cases couples use mutual wills, which are legally binding not to change, but they are inflexible and can cause problems later, so we would talk you through the risks carefully first. We will always tell you honestly which approach fits your family.
Mirror wills are a good choice when you both want the same thing, your estate is straightforward, and you are content that the survivor should be free to manage things after the first death. They are quick, affordable and give you both certainty in one go.
You may want fuller advice if you have a blended family, a business, property abroad, concerns about care fees, or an estate large enough to face inheritance tax. It is also worth knowing that getting married revokes an existing will, unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage, so if you are an unmarried couple planning to marry, tell us, and we will make sure your wills are not undone by the wedding.
Please note: our wills service is available from our South Wimbledon office at 191 Merton Road, London SW19 1EE. You are welcome to call us on 020 8543 3302 to arrange an appointment. The points on this page are correct as at June 2026 and are a general guide, not legal advice on your situation.
Making mirror wills together is simple and reassuring. These are the main stages.
1. We talk through your wishes together
We sit down with you both, listen to what you want for each other and your children, and flag anything, such as children from an earlier relationship, that may need more than mirror wills.
2. We draft both wills
We prepare a matching pair of clear, properly worded wills that reflect each other, and we explain in plain language exactly what each one does.
3. You both review and confirm
You each read your draft, we make any changes you want, and we make sure both wills say exactly what you mean before anything is signed.
4. Signing and witnessing
We oversee the signing of each will so it meets the law. Your two witnesses must be present together, and neither a witness nor their husband or wife can be a beneficiary, or they lose their gift.
Our solicitors make mirror wills straightforward for both of you, so you can plan together with confidence.
We take the time to understand you both and your family, and we explain your options in plain language, with no jargon and no pressure.
We explain clearly that mirror wills are not binding on each other, and where you need more, such as protecting children from an earlier relationship, we set out the options.
We prepare two valid, carefully worded wills that reflect each other and do what you both intend.
We make sure both wills are executed exactly as the law requires, so there is no doubt about their validity when they are needed.
Mirror wills are offered for a clear fixed fee that covers both wills, agreed with you in writing before any work begins, so there are no surprises. Wills are not covered by legal aid, but our fixed fee keeps the cost predictable and affordable for a couple. There is no charge for an initial phone conversation to talk through what you need. This service is available from our South Wimbledon office.
Mirror wills are two matching wills, usually made by a couple, where each leaves their estate to the other and then to the same chosen people, such as their children, on the second death. They let a couple with the same wishes plan together in two consistent documents.
Mirror wills match each other but are not binding, so either person can change their own will at any time. Mutual wills include a binding agreement not to change them, enforced by the courts after the first death. Mutual wills are rare and inflexible, so we would talk you through the risks carefully before you chose that route.
Yes. Because mirror wills are not binding on each other, the survivor is free to change their will after the first death. For most couples who trust each other this is not a concern, but if you want to be sure a share reaches your children, a trust in each will can protect it. We can advise on this.
No. Married couples, civil partners and unmarried couples can all make mirror wills. In fact, they are especially valuable for unmarried couples, because an unmarried partner inherits nothing under the intestacy rules if there is no will. Mirror wills make sure you provide for each other.
Getting married revokes an existing will, unless it was made in contemplation of that specific marriage. So if you are an unmarried couple who plan to marry, tell us, and we will make sure your mirror wills are drafted so the wedding does not undo them.
Yes. Each of you can update your own will whenever your circumstances change, by a codicil for a small change or by making a new will. It is wise to review your wills after a marriage, a separation, a birth or a house move. We can help you keep them current.
We offer mirror wills for a clear fixed fee that covers both wills, agreed in writing before any work starts, so you know the cost from the outset. There is no charge for an initial conversation to talk through what you both need.
Last updated: June 2026.
