When couples come to us for Will writing, they often ask about 'joint Wills'. However, what most people actually want — and what we usually recommend — is a pair of 'mirror Wills'. There's an important difference.
Mirror Wills are two separate Wills that reflect each other. Typically, each spouse leaves everything to the other, and then to the children. They are independent documents, meaning either person can change their Will at any time without the other's consent.
A joint Will is a single document that covers both people. Once one partner dies, the surviving partner cannot change the Will. This sounds protective, but it can create serious problems — for example, if the survivor's circumstances change significantly.
In 2026, we rarely recommend joint Wills. The inflexibility can cause more problems than it solves. If you're concerned about your spouse changing their Will after your death, a Trust is usually a better solution.
Mirror Wills with Property Trusts offer the best of both worlds: each person has their own Will, but the Trust provisions protect the deceased's share of the property for the children.
The cost difference is minimal. At Castle Family Legal, a pair of mirror Wills is significantly cheaper than two entirely separate Wills, and the process is straightforward.
Contact us to discuss the best option for you and your partner. We'll explain everything clearly and help you make the right choice.
