Joint Wills Explained
What Is a Joint Will and Is It Right for You?
A joint will is a single legal document created and signed by two people, usually a married couple or civil partners, that sets out how both of their estates should be distributed after they die.
Unlike mirror wills, which are two separate documents with similar wording, a joint will combines both people's wishes into one legal document.
Although joint wills were more common in the past, they are now relatively rare. Most solicitors recommend mirror wills instead because they offer greater flexibility if circumstances change. GOV.UK's overview of making a will sets out the general legal requirements that apply to any will, including a joint will.
If you're planning your estate with a spouse or partner, understanding the differences between joint and mirror wills can help you make an informed decision.
How Does a Joint Will Work?
A joint will is signed by both individuals and usually states that the surviving partner inherits the estate after the first death, and after the second death, the remaining estate passes to the final beneficiaries, such as children or other family members.
Because both parties sign the same document, the terms are closely linked.
Joint Wills vs Mirror Wills
Many people confuse joint wills with mirror wills, but they are very different.
For most married couples and civil partners, mirror wills are generally considered the more practical option because they allow each person to update their own will if circumstances change.
Advantages of a Joint Will
Although less common today, joint wills may still appeal to some couples. Benefits can include:
Shared Estate Planning — a joint will records both people’s wishes in a single document, helping ensure consistency.
Clear Distribution — the document clearly states who inherits after the first and second deaths.
Reduced Risk of Different Instructions — because there is only one document, the intentions of both parties are aligned from the outset.
Disadvantages of a Joint Will
Joint wills also have important drawbacks.
Less Flexibility — if family or financial circumstances change, updating a joint will can be more complicated than updating separate wills.
Changing Relationships — future events such as remarriage, additional children or significant financial changes may make the original arrangements unsuitable.
Modern Alternatives — mirror wills generally provide the same overall outcome while allowing greater flexibility for each individual.
For these reasons, many legal professionals now recommend mirror wills instead of joint wills.
Who Might Consider a Joint Will?
A joint will may be considered by married couples with straightforward estates, civil partners with identical wishes, or couples who want one shared legal document.
However, because every family’s circumstances are different, it’s worth discussing your options with a legal professional before deciding.
Common Mistakes
Avoid assuming a joint will is the same as a mirror will, choosing a joint will without understanding its long-term implications, failing to review estate plans after major life events, and not discussing your wishes openly with your family.
Compare Will Writing Solicitors Near You
If you’re deciding between a joint will and mirror wills, obtaining professional advice can help you choose the option that best reflects your circumstances.
Find a Funeral allows you to compare experienced will writing solicitors across the UK, making it easier to find trusted legal support.
Yes, provided it meets the legal requirements for a valid will in England and Wales.
This depends on the circumstances and the wording of the document. Changes can be more restrictive than with mirror wills, which is one reason mirror wills are more commonly recommended.
No. They are much less common today than mirror wills.
For many couples, mirror wills provide greater flexibility while still allowing similar inheritance arrangements.