Why Mirror Wills Need Regular Updates
Writing a will — or creating mirror wills with your partner — is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your estate is passed on according to your wishes.
But life changes. Marriage, divorce, new children, and even property purchases can all make an existing will out of date. If you and your partner have mirror wills, failing to update them could mean your assets are distributed in ways you never intended.
At Town & Country Law, we regularly help couples review and update their mirror wills to ensure they still reflect their wishes. In this guide, we explain when and how to update a mirror will, what happens if one partner changes theirs, and why regular reviews are vital for avoiding disputes.
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What Is a Mirror Will?
A mirror will is a pair of wills created by two people — usually a couple — that reflect each other. Typically, each person leaves everything to the other on their death, and then to agreed beneficiaries (often children) after the second death.
Mirror wills are popular because they are straightforward, cost-effective, and ensure both partners have aligned plans.
Why Updating a Mirror Will Matters
Life events can dramatically change how you want your estate distributed. Without an update, your will may no longer be legally valid — or may benefit people you no longer intend to.
Regularly updating your mirror wills keeps your estate plan legally sound and reduces the risk of disputes between surviving relatives.
When Should You Update Your Mirror Wills?
It’s generally recommended to review your wills every 3–5 years, but certain life events make an update essential.
Key Life Events That Require Updating Mirror Wills
| Life Event | Why You Need to Update Your Wills |
|---|---|
| Marriage or Civil Partnership | In England and Wales, getting married or entering a civil partnership revokes a previous will unless it was made “in contemplation of marriage.” |
| Divorce or Separation | Divorce does not revoke a will — your ex could still inherit if you don’t change it. |
| Birth or Adoption of Children | Update guardianship clauses and provide for new dependants. |
| Death of a Beneficiary or Executor | You may need to name new beneficiaries or executors. |
| Buying Property or Other Major Assets | Update your will to include your new home, business, or significant investment. |
| Significant Change in Finances | Adjust gifts or legacies to reflect your current wealth. |
How to Update a Mirror Will
There are two main ways to update a will:
1. By Codicil
A codicil is a legal document that makes small changes to an existing will — for example, swapping an executor or adding a gift.
2. By Writing a New Will
If there are major life changes, it’s usually better to write a new will entirely. This ensures clarity and avoids conflicts between the old and new instructions.
👉 Our Will Writing Services make updating your will straightforward and legally secure.
What Happens if Only One Partner Changes a Mirror Will?
A key feature of mirror wills is that they are separate legal documents. This means either partner can change their will at any time — even without telling the other.
This flexibility can be helpful, but it also comes with risks:
- The surviving partner could completely change their will after the first death, leaving assets to new beneficiaries.
- Children from the first relationship could lose their inheritance if the surviving partner remarries and writes a new will.
If you want to protect assets for children while still providing for your partner, consider including a trust clause (such as a Property Protection Trust) in your will.
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Risks of Not Updating Your Mirror Wills
Failing to update your wills could lead to:
- Outdated executors – Someone named may no longer be able or willing to act.
- Unintended inheritance – Assets could pass to an ex-partner or estranged relative.
- Family disputes – Outdated wills are one of the most common causes of inheritance claims.
- Legal complications – Outdated wills can increase the time and cost of probate.
👉 See our guide: When Should You Update Your Will & LPA?
Tips for Keeping Your Mirror Wills Up to Date
- Set reminders to review your will every 3–5 years.
- Communicate with your partner about your wishes and any changes you want to make.
- Store your wills securely and let your executors know where they are kept.
- Consult a professional will writer to ensure any updates are legally valid.
FAQs: Updating Mirror Wills
Q: Can one partner change a mirror will without telling the other?
Yes — each will is separate. This means either partner can make changes independently, even after the first death.
Q: Does divorce cancel a mirror will?
No. Divorce does not automatically revoke a will, although gifts to an ex-spouse are treated as void. You should always write a new will after divorce.
Q: Should I use a codicil or write a new will?
If you are making a major change — such as adding a new beneficiary or updating property ownership — it’s usually best to write a new will.
Q: How often should mirror wills be reviewed?
Every 3–5 years or after any major life event (marriage, divorce, birth of a child, buying property).
Q: Can mirror wills include trusts?
Yes — adding a trust can protect children’s inheritance and prevent assets being diverted if the surviving partner remarries.
Conclusion: Keep Your Mirror Wills Current
Mirror wills provide an excellent way for couples to align their wishes and protect each other. But they are not a “set and forget” solution — they need to be reviewed regularly to ensure they still reflect your circumstances.
At Town & Country Law, we offer expert will writing and review services to keep your estate plan up to date and legally sound. Whether you need a small codicil or a complete rewrite, we can help.
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