Individual Will
An Individual Will is for one person. You can make an Individual Will whether you have a partner or not.
An Individual Will allows you to:
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name the people or charities who you want to leave your things to when you die
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decide how you want to split your possessions amongst them
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appoint guardians for any children you have who are under 18
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make specific gifts to people
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name your executors
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set up a trust if this is relevant to your circumstances, for example if you would like to benefit your current spouse/partner during their lifetime but ensure that the capital from your estate ultimately passes to your children.
I will advise you of all of the options available to you in terms of including an appropriate trust in your Will. Together we can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each and you can decide how you wish to proceed. Each client is different and it is usually a personal choice as to what you personally are comfortable with.
Mirror Image Wills
Mirror Image Wills are commonly used by married and unmarried couples with very similar wishes about what should be written into their wills.
Mirror Image Wills are:
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two separate legal documents
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practically identical in almost every way, except for the name of the person and sometimes their individual specific gifts
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capable of being changed by either party whilst they retain capacity.
Mirror Image Wills vary enormously depending on your needs. I will advise you of the many ways in which you can construct your Will and it is then a personal choice as to how you would prefer to proceed. I will typically discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Nil Rate Band Trusts, Protective Property Trusts, Discretionary Trusts and perhaps a Vulnerable Person's Trust.
You may require individual Wills if you:
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have children from a previous relationship and wish to protect their inheritance
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wish to make distinct wills with differing legacies to that of your partner.