Mirror Wills for Couples

Mirror wills are two separate wills made by a couple that mirror each other — typically leaving everything to the other person first, and then to the same beneficiaries (usually children) if the other person has already died. This is the most common will structure for couples in Ireland.

What Is a Mirror Will?

A mirror will is a will that closely reflects the will of a spouse or partner. In a standard mirror will arrangement: on the first death, everything passes to the surviving partner; on the second death, the estate passes to the chosen beneficiaries (typically children in equal shares). Each will is a separate legal document — they are “mirrors” of each other but are not legally bound to remain identical.

What Is Included?

Our mirror wills service includes: a consultation to discuss your wishes, drafting of two legally valid wills, appointment of executors and trustees, specific gifts (if any), guardianship provisions for minor children, and delivery of both wills in signed, execution-ready form.

Why Make a Will as a Couple?

Without a will, Irish intestacy rules decide who inherits — not you. Making wills together ensures: your estate passes to your partner, your children are provided for, you choose your executors, and you can appoint guardians for your children if both of you die.

What Our Clients Say

“Made our wills together for the first time. The process was simple, fast and the solicitor explained everything clearly. Great value as a couple’s package.”

“Had been putting off making wills for years. The couple’s package made it affordable and easy. Both wills delivered within a week.”

“Young family — needed wills that included guardianship for our children. Professional, thorough and exactly what we needed.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both partners need separate wills in Ireland?

Yes — in Irish law, there is no such thing as a joint will. Each person must make their own separate will. Mirror wills are two separate documents that happen to have similar or identical provisions — but each partner must sign their own will.

Are mirror wills legally binding in Ireland?

Yes — each mirror will is a separate, legally valid will provided it complies with the formalities of the Succession Act 1965: signed by the testator, witnessed by two independent adults present at the same time, and signed by those witnesses.

What happens to mirror wills if one partner changes their will?

Either partner can change or revoke their will at any time. Mirror wills do not bind either party to keep their will the same. If you want to prevent one partner changing their will without the other’s knowledge, a mutual wills agreement is a different legal instrument — speak to your solicitor.