THE BENEFITS OF A MIRROR WILL FOR COUPLES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Planning for the future together can be a heart-warming chapter in any couple’s journey. When it comes to estate planning, many couples look for solutions that truly reflect their shared wishes and ensure that their assets are distributed according to their mutual desires after they pass away. A Mirror Will is an excellent tool for achieving this, and in this blog post, we’ll explore what a Mirror Will is, its benefits, and why it might be the right choice for you and your partner.

What is a Mirror Will?

A Mirror Will is a pair of wills commonly used by couples. They are almost identical in content, meaning that one partner’s will mirrors the other’s. Typically, each will states that upon the death of one partner, their assets will pass to the surviving partner. Then, upon the death of the second partner, the assets will pass to agreed beneficiaries, like children or other relatives.

Flexibility in Asset Distribution

While Mirror Wills reflect each other, they also allow for personalisation. This means that each partner can include specific provisions or bequests that are important to them individually. For example, one partner might have a cherished charity or a personal heirloom that they wish to leave to someone outside the couple’s shared assets. This flexibility ensures that while the overall structure of the Wills is harmonised, individual wishes and nuances are still respected and addressed.

Cost-Effective

Drafting Mirror Wills tends to be more economical than creating two completely separate Wills. Since the main structure and content of the Wills are similar, the legal costs and time involved in drafting the Wills can be considerably reduced. This can be a practical option for couples looking to manage their estate planning efficiently, both in terms of finances and time.

Protection of Surviving Partner

This is a crucial aspect, especially for couples who are not legally married or in a civil partnership. In many jurisdictions, the law doesn’t automatically recognise cohabiting partners as beneficiaries. Mirror Wills can ensure that the surviving partner is adequately provided for, preventing legal complications or financial difficulties that might arise from not being legally recognised as an inheritor. This protection is particularly important in safeguarding the living standard and security of the surviving partner.

Ensures Child Inheritance

For couples with children, Mirror Wills can provide a clear and legally binding plan for the future care and financial support of their children. This planning is crucial, as it ensures that the children’s welfare and inheritance are protected and managed according to the couple’s joint wishes. This can include stipulations about guardianship, education funds, and the age at which children will receive their inheritance, providing peace of mind that the children’s futures are secured.

Considerations and Cautions:

Revocability

It’s important to remember that a Mirror Will can be changed or revoked by either party at any time. This flexibility is advantageous, but it also means that both parties need to maintain open communication about their estate planning wishes.

Independence

Each will in a Mirror Will set is a separate legal document. So, after one partner’s death, the surviving partner could change their will, which might affect the originally intended distribution of assets.

Potential for Disputes

If there’s a relationship breakdown or new marriages, the intentions in a Mirror Will may lead to disputes if not regularly updated or reviewed.

Securing Your Shared Legacy

For couples looking to ensure that their estate is managed and distributed according to their mutual wishes, a Mirror Will can be a highly beneficial tool. It offers simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and the reassurance that both partners’ wishes are aligned. However, it’s important to consider changes over time and to review your wills regularly. Consulting with a legal expert in estate planning, like the professionals at RRK Legal, is advisable to ensure your estate planning meets your specific needs.

At RRK Legal, we understand the importance of ensuring that your wishes, and those of your partner, are honoured and protected. A Mirror Will can be a key component in securing peace of mind for both of you, knowing that your estate will be managed as you have planned together. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the process with expertise and empathy, ensuring that your wills reflect your individual needs and shared goals.

For personalised advice and assistance with Mirror Wills, or any aspect of estate planning tailored to your unique situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team at RRK Legal.