What are mirror wills?
Mirror wills are two separate wills that reflect each other: typically each partner leaves everything to the other, and when the second partner dies, everything passes to the same agreed beneficiaries — often the children. Each of you signs your own document, with your own two witnesses. They are not a joint will, and they are not binding on the survivor.
Who should use mirror wills?
Couples — married, in a civil partnership, or unmarried — who broadly agree on where the estate should go. They are especially important for unmarried couples, because under the intestacy rules an unmarried partner inherits nothing at all without a will. Skip them if you need a life-interest trust for children from a previous relationship.
Are mirror wills binding on the surviving partner?
No. Either of you can change your own will at any time — even after the first death, and even if you both promised not to. If you need wills that genuinely lock each other in, that is a mutual will or a life-interest trust, and it needs a solicitor. Our suitability check screens for exactly this situation.
How much do mirror wills cost?
SwiftWill mirror wills cost £55 for both, instant, with free updates for life. Make a Will Online is about £90 plus £10 a year after 28 days. Farewill is about £160 plus £10 a year after year one. A high-street solicitor is typically £245 or more. You should never pay near double the single-will price for a couple. Prices checked July 2026.
| Provider | Couple price | Delivery | Updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| SwiftWill | £55 | Instant | Free for life |
| Make a Will Online | £90 | Fast, not instant (solicitor check) | £10/yr after 28 days |
| Farewill | £160 | 3–5 days (specialist review) | £10/yr after year 1 |
| High-street solicitor | £245+ | Days–weeks | Per-change charges |
See the full market price comparison.
How does the SwiftWill mirror-will flow work?
Complete the interview once (about 15 minutes), toggle mirror wills at £55, add your partner's details, and we generate two reciprocal documents. Only personal details and personal gifts differ. You each print and sign your own will with your own two witnesses — the signing rules are the same as for any will.
- You complete the guided interview once — about 15 minutes.
- At the final step, toggle "Make mirror wills — £55 total (saving £15)" and add your partner's details.
- We generate two wills with reciprocal provisions automatically: each of you leaves everything to the other, with the same substitutes, guardians and ultimate beneficiaries.
- Only personal details and any personal specific gifts differ. Your partner confirms their own details and receives their own copy.
- You each print and sign your own will with your own two witnesses.
Are mirror wills safe for blended families?
Usually not. If either of you has children from a previous relationship, everything can pass to the survivor, who is then free to change their will and cut those children out — sideways disinheritance. Protecting against this usually needs a life-interest trust drafted by a solicitor. Our interview asks about this directly and will redirect you before you pay. See second marriage with children.