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Simple English definitions for legal terms
joint and reciprocal will
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A quick definition of joint and reciprocal will:
A will is a document that tells people what to do with your things after you die. It's like a wish list for your stuff. There are different types of wills, like a joint will where two people make one will together, or a holographic will that you write by hand. Some wills are not valid if they don't follow certain rules, like an oral will that you say out loud instead of writing down. It's important to make a will so that your things go to the people you want them to go to.A more thorough explanation:
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.