What mirror wills actually are
Mirror wills are not a special legal instrument — they are simply two wills, one for each partner, drafted with matching terms. Each will leaves the deceased partner's estate to the surviving partner, with provision for the children (or other named secondary beneficiaries) on the second death. The wills are independent legal documents — each partner can change theirs at any time without the other's consent.
Who should consider mirror wills
- Married couples with shared children who want to leave everything to each other and then to the children.
- Civil partners with the same structure.
- Unmarried long-term partners with shared property or children — particularly important because intestacy rules don't recognise unmarried partners at all.
Mirror wills are a good fit for the majority of couples in straightforward circumstances. For couples in blended families with significant assets, or where there are children from previous relationships needing protection, a solicitor may be more appropriate.
What's included in £99 ClearLegacy mirror wills
- Two fully-drafted, legally valid wills under the Wills Act 1837
- Matching primary beneficiary (each partner) and secondary beneficiary structure
- Named executors — typically each other, with replacement executors for the second death
- Guardianship provisions for any minor children
- Specific gifts or legacies if required
- Estate-planner review on both wills before release
- Clear signing instructions for each partner — witnesses must not be beneficiaries or their spouses
- One free amendment each within the first 12 months
- Secure digital storage
How the process works
- One partner starts the form, providing joint details and their individual wishes.
- The second partner is invited to confirm their wishes and add any individual provisions.
- Our estate planner prepares both wills with matching terms.
- Both wills are reviewed before release.
- Both wills are returned to you within 24 hours, with signing instructions.
- Each partner signs their own will in the presence of two witnesses (who must not be beneficiaries of either will).
Mirror wills vs joint wills — important difference
Mirror wills are not the same as joint wills. A joint will is a single document signed by both spouses — these are now extremely rare in England and Wales because they create complications when the surviving partner wants to change their will. Mirror wills are two separate documents, which means each partner retains full control to amend or revoke their own will at any time.
Mirror wills and the Inheritance Act 1975
Even with mirror wills in place, certain people (spouses, children, financial dependants) can claim against an estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if they feel they were not properly provided for. Mirror wills don't override this — they document your intentions, which is the strongest defence against an Act 1975 claim.
ClearLegacy pricing — fixed fees, no surprises
Single Will
For one person. Legally valid in England & Wales. Reviewed by a qualified estate planner within 24 hours.
Start Single WillMirror Wills
Two matching Wills for couples. Save £39 versus buying two singles. Both reviewed and emailed within 24 hours.
Start Mirror WillsHow we compare on price
| Provider | Single Will | Mirror Wills | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClearLegacy | £69 | £99 | Online · estate-planner reviewed · 24-hour turnaround |
| Farewill | £100 | £165 | Online · review-by-phone |
| Co-op Legal Services | £150+ | £245+ | Phone or online |
| High-street solicitor | £150–£400 | £250–£600 | Face-to-face appointments |
| DIY kit (WHSmith etc.) | £20–£40 | £40–£80 | Paper · no review |
Prices are typical published rates at time of writing (May 2026). Sources: provider websites; Law Society for solicitor ranges.
Frequently asked questions
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Single Will £69. Mirror Wills £99. Reviewed by a qualified estate planner within 24 hours. No subscription, no hidden fees, no hourly billing.
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