Legal Definitions - joint and reciprocal will

A joint and reciprocal will is a type of will executed by two or more people to dispose of their property upon their death. 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. It is also known as a joint and mutual will.

For example, a husband and wife may execute a joint and reciprocal will, leaving their property to each other upon their death. The will may also provide for the distribution of the property to their children or other beneficiaries after the death of the surviving spouse.

This type of will is different from a joint will, which is a single will executed by two or more testators disposing of their common property by transferring their separate titles to one devisee.