Legal Definitions - reciprocal will

A reciprocal will is a type of will where two or more people, usually a husband and wife, establish identical or similar testamentary provisions disposing of their estates in favor of each other. It is also possible for more than two parties to execute mutual wills.

For example, John and Jane are a married couple who execute reciprocal wills. In John's will, he leaves all his property to Jane, and in Jane's will, she leaves all her property to John. This means that when one of them dies, the other will inherit everything.

Reciprocal wills are also known as mutual wills, counter wills, double wills, or mutual testaments.