Single will vs mirror wills
Single wills and mirror wills are simple labels, but the right choice depends on whose wishes are being recorded and how much flexibility each person needs.
What the terms usually mean
A single will records one person’s wishes. Mirror wills are usually two separate wills for a couple, written in similar or matching terms. Each person still has their own will, and each will needs to be signed and witnessed correctly.
Single will
Useful for one person, or where two people have different wishes, different beneficiaries or different executor choices.
Mirror wills
Often used by couples with broadly matching wishes, such as leaving everything to each other and then to children or named beneficiaries.
The issue people miss
Mirror wills are not automatically a lock-in. If one person later changes their will, the other person’s will does not physically change, but the overall plan may no longer match. Couples should understand how updates will be handled and whether they need advice for anything more complex.
When simple stops being simple
Consider advice if there are children from previous relationships, property owned in unequal shares, vulnerable beneficiaries, expected disputes, inheritance tax planning, overseas assets or business interests.
Source: GOV.UK making a will.