SWEETHEART WILL
Back to GlossaryDefinition
Two wills executed by spouses that leave all assets to the other spouse.
Summary
A sweetheart will is a simple estate planning arrangement where married couples create identical wills that leave everything to each other. These are also called 'mirror wills' because they reflect each other's wishes. While straightforward and cost-effective, they may not address complex situations like simultaneous death, tax implications, or what happens if both spouses die close together in time.
Usage Context
Important when studying basic estate planning, spousal property rights, will execution requirements, and understanding alternatives to more complex estate planning strategies. Essential for understanding the simplest form of marital estate planning.
Common Confusions
- Confusing sweetheart wills with joint wills (one document vs. two separate documents)
- Thinking they automatically avoid probate (they don't)
- Assuming they can't be changed independently (they usually can be)
- Not understanding the need for contingent beneficiaries
- Overlooking tax planning opportunities with larger estates
