Legal Definitions - conjoint will

A conjoint will is a type of will that is executed by two or more testators. It is also known as a joint will. In this type of will, the testators dispose of their common property by transferring their separate titles to one devisee. The surviving testator is required to dispose of the property in accordance with the terms of the will, and the devises are made in consideration of one another.

For example, a married couple may execute a conjoint will in which they leave their property to each other. If one spouse dies, the surviving spouse will inherit the property. If both spouses die, the property will be distributed according to the terms of the will.

Conjoint wills are different from mutual wills, which are separate wills executed by two or more people that establish identical or similar testamentary provisions disposing of their estates in favor of each other.