Types of Wills
Different Types of Wills Explained
Not every will is the same. Depending on your personal, financial and family circumstances, there are several different types of wills available, each designed to meet different needs.
Understanding the main types of wills can help you decide which option is most suitable for protecting your estate and ensuring your wishes are carried out after your death.
This guide explains the most common types of wills used in England and Wales. GOV.UK's overview of making a will covers the legal requirements that apply across all of them.
Why Are There Different Types of Wills?
Every person’s circumstances are unique. Factors that may influence the type of will you choose include whether you’re married, whether you have children, whether you own property, the size of your estate, whether you have a business, whether you wish to minimise tax, and whether vulnerable beneficiaries are involved.
Choosing the right type of will can help make estate administration much smoother.
Single Will
A single will is written by one individual. It is the most common type of will, and it allows one person to appoint executors, choose beneficiaries, leave gifts, appoint guardians, and record funeral wishes. Single wills are suitable for most individuals.
Mirror Wills
Mirror wills are separate wills made by two people — usually spouses or civil partners — with very similar or identical provisions. Typically everything passes to the surviving partner, and after the second death, the estate passes to children or other beneficiaries. Although similar, each person owns their own will and can usually change it while they are alive.
Trust Wills
Some wills create one or more trusts. Trust wills may be useful where young children inherit, vulnerable beneficiaries require protection, tax planning is appropriate, or assets need long-term management. Professional advice is usually recommended before creating trust provisions.
Living Wills
A living will is different from a traditional will. Rather than dealing with your estate after death, it records your wishes regarding certain future medical treatment if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. Living wills are often referred to as Advance Decisions.
Joint Wills
A joint will is a single legal document signed by two people. They are much less common than mirror wills and can create complications because changes after the first death may be restricted. Most solicitors recommend mirror wills instead of joint wills.
DIY Wills
Some people prepare their own will using templates or online software. DIY wills may be suitable for straightforward circumstances but can create problems if wording is unclear, legal requirements are not met, or complex assets are involved. Professional review may reduce these risks.
Online Wills
Online will-writing services have become increasingly popular. Benefits may include lower cost, convenience and faster completion. However, ensure the service clearly explains how to make the will legally valid.
Which Type of Will Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your circumstances. If your circumstances are unusual, professional legal advice may help you choose the most appropriate option.
Common Mistakes
People often choose the wrong type of will, assume mirror wills cannot be changed, forget to review their will, use DIY templates for complex estates, and fail to appoint substitute executors.
Taking advice before signing your will can help avoid costly mistakes later.
How Find a Funeral Can Help
Understanding the different types of wills is an important first step in planning your estate. Find a Funeral offers practical guidance on wills, probate and estate planning, helping you make informed decisions for the future.
If you need professional support, we can help you compare trusted will writing solicitors across the UK.
A single will is the most common type for individuals, while mirror wills are popular with married couples and civil partners.
Each mirror will is a separate legal document. One person can usually change their own will while both parties are alive.
Trust wills may be appropriate for larger or more complex estates, particularly where long-term asset protection is required.
Yes. Most people can replace an existing will with a new one, provided they have the legal capacity to do so.
The right choice depends on your family, finances and wishes. If you’re unsure, speaking to a qualified solicitor or professional will writer can help.