Mirror Wills vs. Individual Wills: What’s the Difference? | Newlife Wills

Unsure whether to choose Mirror Wills or Individual Wills? We explain the key differences, pros and cons, and which option may suit your family best.

When couples start thinking about getting their Wills written, one of the first questions that comes up is:

👉 “Should we have Mirror Wills or separate Individual Wills?”

Although they sound similar, there are some key differences between the two and understanding them can help you make the right decision for your family and future.

What Are Mirror Wills?

Mirror Wills are two separate but almost identical Wills, usually made by couples (married, civil partners or long-term partners), where each person leaves their estate to the same beneficiaries.

For example:

• Partner A leaves everything to Partner B.

• Partner B leaves everything to Partner A.

• When both have passed away, the estate usually goes to the same chosen people, often the children.

• 
  

✅ Typical example:

“I leave everything to my spouse. If they die before me, I leave everything to our children in equal shares.”

Why people choose Mirror Wills:

• Simple and cost-effective to set up.

• Ideal when both partners have the same wishes.

• Makes things straightforward if one partner passes away first.

  
  

Important to know: Mirror Wills are not legally binding on the surviving partner. After one person dies, the survivor can change their Will at any time, even if that means leaving the estate to someone else entirely.

👉 This can become a problem in blended families or if the survivor remarries and writes a new Will.

What Are Individual Wills?

Individual Wills are entirely separate legal documents that reflect each person’s own wishes, even if they are in a relationship.

These Wills can be very similar if both people want the same things or they can be tailored to suit different family circumstances, assets, or trusts.

For example, someone may want to:

• Leave their share of a property to their children but give their partner the right to live there for life (using a life interest trust).

• Include specific gifts, legacies, or trusts for children from a previous relationship.

• Structure their estate differently for tax planning or asset protection reasons.

  
  

Why people choose Individual Wills:

• More flexibility and control over what happens to each person’s estate.

• Useful in blended families or where there are children from previous relationships.

• Allows for trusts and protection measures to ensure assets go where you intend.

Which Is Right for You?

The right choice depends on your family situation, assets, and future plans.

• If you and your partner have straightforward wishes and want an affordable, simple solution, Mirror Wills might be perfect.

• If you have children from previous relationships, want to protect property for future generations, or have more complex estates, Individual Wills with trusts are usually better.

• 
  

It’s also worth remembering that your Will isn’t just about passing on money - it’s about ensuring your loved ones are looked after and your wishes are respected when you’re no longer here.

How Newlife Wills Can Help

At Newlife Wills, we guide couples and families through their options clearly and professionally. We’ll help you decide whether Mirror Wills, Individual Wills, or trust planning is the best fit for your circumstances.

✅ Clear, fixed fees

✅ Friendly, jargon-free advice

✅ Expert estate planning for families across Kent and beyond

Book Your Free Consultation Today

Get started on protecting your family’s future.

👉 Contact Newlife Wills or call us on 01843 269165 to book your no-obligation appointment.