What is the difference between joint and single wills?

A joint will is a single will that is created by two or more people. In a joint will, the parties agree on the same terms of inheritance upon death, which can include how the estate will be divided and distributed among the heirs. For example, if the joint will is set up by a married couple, the terms of the will may specify that the spouse is the inheritor of the entire joint estate. On the other hand, single wills are created by a single person and the terms of inheritance are exclusively decided upon by that person. Since a single will is limited to the terms of one individual, the estate is more likely to be divided among multiple heirs in the way the testator chooses. In a single will, the testator may also make provisions for their dependents and provide instructions on how their estate should be split among the beneficiaries. In Wisconsin, joint wills can be revoked or altered with the consent of both parties, while single wills can only be revoked or altered by the testator. It is important to note that all wills in Wisconsin must be in writing and signed by both parties (or the testator, if single) in order for them to be valid.

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What is the difference between joint and single wills?

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