Writing a will is one of the most important legal steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your assets. Yet, many Australians delay this task because they assume it is complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. The good news is that technology has made the process much easier. Today, you can create a will online in Australia in just a few simple steps without the need for constant visits to a lawyer.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating a legally valid online will, from understanding the basics to ensuring your wishes are properly documented and recognised by law.
Why Create a Will Online?
Traditionally, making a will involve meeting with a solicitor, preparing multiple drafts, and paying significant legal fees. For many people with straightforward estates, this process can feel overwhelming and unnecessary.
Creating a will online offers several advantages:
- Convenience: Complete it at home, at your own pace.
- Affordability: Online wills are often far cheaper than lawyer-prepared ones.
- Accessibility: Available 24/7, with user-friendly templates and guides.
- Control: You can easily update or edit your will as your circumstances change.
For those with simple estates—such as leaving assets to a spouse, children, or a few beneficiaries—an online will is a practical and reliable option.
Choose a Trusted Online Will Provider
The first step is selecting a reputable Australian online will service. Many platforms offer legally compliant templates that are easy to customise. When choosing, look for:
- Australian-specific compliance: Ensure the service aligns with the laws in your state or territory.
- Clear guidance: The platform should provide step-by-step instructions.
- Flexibility: Look for options to name executors, guardians, and specific asset distributions.
- Customer support: Access to FAQs, live chat, or phone assistance can be helpful.
Some popular providers even offer secure online storage or allow you to print your will for safe keeping.
Gather Your Personal and Financial Information
Before starting, gather all the necessary details so the process flows smoothly. You’ll need information such as:
- Your full legal name, address, and date of birth.
- Names and details of your spouse, children, and other beneficiaries.
- A list of assets: property, savings, investments, superannuation, insurance policies, vehicles, jewellery, or business interests.
- Any outstanding debts or liabilities.
Having these details ready will save time and ensure nothing important is overlooked.
Decide on Your Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries are the people or organisations who will receive your assets. These could include:
- Your spouse or partner.
- Children or grandchildren.
- Other relatives or friends.
- Charities or community organisations.
You can distribute assets equally or specify who receives what. For example, you might leave your home to your partner, a savings account to your children, and a donation to a charity.
Appoint an Executor
An executor is the person who carries out the instructions in your will. Their responsibilities include managing your estate, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
When choosing an executor, consider:
- Someone reliable, organised, and trustworthy.
- Their willingness to take on the role.
- Naming a backup executor in case your first choice cannot serve.
Some people appoint a solicitor or trustee company as a professional executor, though this often involves additional fees.
Nominate Guardians for Children
If you have children under 18, your will allows you to nominate a legal guardian. This is one of the most important decisions in estate planning, as it ensures your children are cared for by someone you trust if you and your partner pass away.
Without this provision, the courts decide guardianship, which may not reflect your wishes.
Include Special Instructions
Online wills also give you the chance to leave specific gifts or instructions, such as:
- Passing down sentimental items.
- Outlining funeral or burial preferences.
- Providing for pets.
- Making charitable donations.
These personal touches make your will more than just a financial document it becomes a reflection of your values and relationships.
Complete the Online Will Form
Once you have all the details, log into your chosen platform and begin filling out the form. Most services are designed to be user-friendly, guiding you step by step through each section.
Typical sections include:
- Your personal details.
- Executors and guardians.
- Beneficiaries and asset distribution.
- Special instructions.
Once completed, the platform usually allows you to download or print your will.
Sign and Witness Your Will
This step is critical. Even if you create your will online, it is not legally valid until it is signed and witnessed correctly.
General requirements across Australia include:
- The will must be signed by you in the presence of two independent witnesses.
- Both witnesses must also sign in your presence and each other’s presence.
- Witnesses should be over 18 and not beneficiaries, as this may disqualify them from inheriting.
Failure to meet these requirements could result in your will being challenged or deemed invalid.
Store Your Will Safely
After signing, store your will in a safe but accessible location. Options include:
- A fireproof safe at home.
- With your executor.
- Safe custody with a bank or solicitor.
- Registration with your state’s wills registry, where available.
It’s vital to inform your executor where the will is stored. A will that cannot be found cannot be followed.
Review and Update Your Will Regularly
Life changes, and so should your will. Review it every few years or after major life events such as:
- Marriage or divorce.
- Birth or adoption of children.
- Purchase or sale of property.
- Death of a beneficiary or executor.
- Significant changes in financial circumstances.
Updating your will ensures it continues to reflect your current wishes. Many online platforms make it easy to revise and create new versions.
When You Should Seek Legal Advice
While online wills are suitable for many Australians, some situations may require professional legal advice, including:
- Complex family arrangements.
- Large or complicated estates.
- Overseas assets.
- Setting up trusts or tax-effective estate planning strategies.
If your situation is more complex, an online will can serve as a starting point, but consulting a solicitor ensures your wishes are properly protected.
Benefits of Creating a Will Online
To summarise, here are the key benefits of making your will online in Australia:
- Quick and easy: Can often be completed in less than an hour.
- Cost-effective: A fraction of traditional legal fees.
- Customisable: Allows you to cover guardianship, executors, and special bequests.
- Legally valid: Provided it is signed and witnessed correctly.
For many Australians, this option strikes the right balance between affordability, convenience, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Creating a will is one of the most responsible things you can do for your loved ones. Thanks to technology, it no longer must be complicated or expensive. By following this step-by-step guide to creating a will online in Australia, you can ensure that your wishes are clearly documented, your family is protected, and your estate is managed smoothly.
