Mirror Wills
Mirror Will Writing Solicitors in Northwich, Cheshire
Planning for the future, together.
When you and your partner are considering making wills, a Mirror Will could be the ideal solution. These wills are drafted to mirror each other’s wishes, ensuring a straightforward, efficient approach to safeguarding your estates and ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone.
What Is A Mirror Will?
A Mirror Will is two separate wills made by two individuals—usually spouses or civil partners—that are identical in terms of how assets are distributed. Each person’s will reflects the same wishes for the other person’s estate, providing peace of mind knowing that both parties’ intentions align in the event of death.
What Our Cheshire Will Solicitors Offer
GESols understands that family member relationships can be sensitive and complicated. Our friendly, dedicated team of will making lawyers strives to ensure that making your Will is kept as straightforward as possible, whatever your circumstances. We can assist with the preparation of a basic Mirror Will as well as dealing with more complex issues, including contentious probate as and when they arise. We will simply ask you what your wishes are and draft your Mirror Will’s to be signed and witnessed in the presence of two witnesses, providing reassurance that your loved ones will be looked after as you intended.
To ensure that the people who matter to you are cared for when you no longer can, or if your circumstances have changed and you wish to amend your Mirror Will – contact us to make an appointment today.
Speak to a Local Will Writing Solicitor Today
For initial advice call 01606 811700 or make an enquiry online.
Benefits Of A Mirror Will
- Simple And Clear: A Mirror Will clearly outlines how assets will be passed between partners, usually leaving everything to each other, with a secondary beneficiary set in the event of both passing away.
- Peace Of Mind: With Mirror Wills, each person knows that their wishes will be respected and the surviving partner will have clarity on the estate’s distribution.
- Efficient Estate Planning: Mirror Wills make it easier to manage your estate, as both wills are typically drafted in a similar manner, reducing complexity when dealing with legal matters.
- Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than drafting two individual wills, Mirror Wills offer a practical solution without compromising on legal protection.
How Mirror Wills Work
In most cases, Mirror Wills are used when couples want to leave everything to each other upon their death. After both partners have passed, the estate is then passed on to the agreed beneficiaries, often children or other loved ones.
For example:
- Partner A may leave everything to Partner B.
- Then, Partner B may leave everything to Partner A.
- If both partners pass away simultaneously, the estates are distributed to the beneficiaries named in both wills.
Why Choose Mirror Wills?
- Simplicity For Couples: Mirror Wills are a straightforward and highly effective way for couples to ensure that their estates are managed according to their shared wishes.
- Protection For Loved Ones: They protect the surviving partner and make sure that the children or other beneficiaries are looked after in the event that both partners pass away.
- No Room for Disagreement: With matching documents, there is little risk of confusion or disagreement between family members regarding the distribution of assets.
How We Can Help?
At Gavin Edmondson Solicitors Ltd, our experienced solicitors will guide you through the process of creating your Mirror Wills. We will:
- Discuss your wishes in detail to ensure that both wills reflect your intentions.
- Provide advice on tax planning, guardianship and other considerations for your estate.
- Make sure your wills are legally valid and clearly worded to avoid future disputes.
Consult with our Local Mirror Will Writing Solicitors In Cheshire
For expert assistance with writing a mirror will, contact Gavin Edmondson Solicitors today for a no-obligation discussion of how we can help.
Call us on 01606 811700 or make an enquiry online.
Making A Mirror Will FAQs
A Mirror Will is essentially two identical wills created by two individuals, usually couples, that reflect each other’s wishes. While a standard will is an individual’s personal testament about how they want their estate distributed, a Mirror Will ensures that both partners’ estates are managed in the same way.
Yes, in most cases, Mirror Wills are set up so that one partner leaves everything to the other. However, you can also specify conditions in your will, such as leaving assets to children or other beneficiaries after both of you pass away.
Yes, you can amend or update your Mirror Will at any time, as long as both you and your partner agree to the changes. It’s important to review and update your wills periodically to reflect any life changes, such as a change in financial circumstances or family dynamics.
In the event that both partners pass away simultaneously, the Mirror Wills usually specify what happens to the estates after both deaths. Most often, the wills name secondary beneficiaries, such as children or other family members, who will inherit the estate.
Yes, Mirror Wills are legally binding as long as they meet the necessary legal requirements, such as being signed in front of witnesses. It’s crucial to ensure that both wills are drafted correctly and meet all legal criteria.
Yes, each person can appoint different executors if preferred. However, it’s common for couples to appoint the same executor, often the surviving partner, to manage the estate after both pass away.
Mirror Wills are typically more cost-effective than drafting two separate, independent wills. Since the content is usually identical, the drafting process is streamlined, making it a more affordable option for couples.
Yes, you can decide how your estate is distributed in your Mirror Will. While most couples choose to leave everything to each other, you can specify different beneficiaries in the event that both of you pass away, such as children, charities, or other loved ones.
If one partner changes their Mirror Will, it will only affect their individual estate. The other partner’s will remains unchanged unless they also amend theirs. If you want both wills to be identical again, both parties will need to update their wills accordingly.
While it is possible to create a Mirror Will without a solicitor, it’s highly recommended to seek professional legal advice. A solicitor will ensure that your wills are correctly drafted, legally valid and cover all your intentions, including any potential tax planning or guardianship issues.