Professional estate planning from £79. Drafted by Andrew Walters MSWW, Member of the Society of Will Writers.
Mirror Wills (UK): A pair of almost identical legal documents used by couples where each partner leaves their estate to the survivor first, and then to shared secondary beneficiaries (typically children) upon the second death.
A mirror will consists of two separate legal documents that "reflect" each other’s wishes. This structure provides a simple, cost-effective way for couples to ensure their estate is distributed in the exact same manner.
Important for Asset Protection:
Standard Mirror Wills do not protect against care home fees or sideways disinheritance. These trust options provide that extra layer of security.
| Drafting Method | Typical UK Cost | Xwills Price |
|---|---|---|
| DIY / Generic Template | £20 – £40 | Not Recommended |
| Professional Online Service | £50 – £120 | £79 |
| Will Writing Specialist | £150 – £350 | £169 |
| Solicitor | £300 – £600+ | N/A |
Yes, Mirror Wills are legally valid documents in England and Wales, provided they are properly signed and witnessed. However, they are not contractually binding, meaning the surviving partner can usually change their Will at any time after the first death, unless specific legal arrangements are put in place.
You can learn more about legal Will requirements on the UK Government website .
| Feature | Mirror Wills | Trust Wills |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Protection | Limited | Strong |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
| Protection from Remarriage | No | Yes |
| Complexity | Low | Higher |
In short, mirror wills are simpler and more flexible, while trust wills offer stronger protection but involve more complexity.
Andrew Walters MSWW is a qualified estate planning practitioner and member of the Society of Will Writers, adhering to professional standards and regulatory guidelines for Will writing in England and Wales. As a member of the Society, services are provided under a recognised professional body, although Will writers are not regulated in the same way as solicitors.
Professional Mirror Wills from £79. Book your free review with Andrew.
Book Your Free Mirror Will Review
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info@xwills.com
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