It is not uncommon for clients who want to make or update their Will to come in to see their solicitor accompanied by their spouse or partner. They might want to make "mirror" Wills – documents in very similar terms where the estate ultimately devolves in the same way. However, as professionals we need to be clear about the implications of the other party staying at the meeting and take what steps we can to ensure that each client gives independent instructions and we are not put in a position of conflict.

Spouses and civil partners may be quite happy to give us joint instructions and not understand why we need to see each one ...