Knowledge Centre
Will Kits, Online Wills or a Lawyer? Costs and Options in Australia
Complete guide to will kit Australia options, lawyer will costs, and online will services. Compare DIY kits, online tools, and solicitor fees, with pros, cons, recommendations and the rules for NSW, VIC and QLD.
Quick Answer
A DIY kit costs from free to about $160. A solicitor's simple will usually costs $595 to $1,200+ (published fixed fees, checked October 2026). WillBuddy is free to draft and read, then $39 a year to print. Get legal advice for complex estates, trusts or blended families.
Choosing how to create your will, DIY kit, online service, or lawyer, is one of the most important estate planning decisions you'll make. The right choice depends on your circumstances, not just cost.
This guide is part of WillBuddy's Knowledge Centre covering will kit Australia options, online will vs lawyer comparisons, and what each option costs. We explain how the rules differ between states.
WillBuddy asks plain questions, drafts your will for your state, and shows you how to sign it. It doesn't give legal advice. See how the product works.
In This Section You'll Learn
- How the main will-making options compare
- When DIY kits, online services, or lawyers are appropriate
- Pros and cons of each approach
- How to assess your estate's complexity
- State-by-state rule differences
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Featured Guides in This Pillar
- Lawyer Will Cost Australia – Detailed solicitor pricing guide
- Online Will vs Lawyer Australia – Comprehensive comparison
- Will Kits Australia – DIY kit guide and pitfalls
Compare Your Options
At a Glance
| Option | Best For | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Free DIY templates | Extremely simple estates | High |
| Newsagent kits | Simple estates, no complexity | Medium-High |
| Online will services | Simple to moderate estates | Low-Medium |
| Public Trustee | Simple estates, budget-conscious | Low |
| Community Legal Centre | Those meeting income criteria | Low |
| Solicitor (simple will) | Any estate | Low |
| Solicitor (standard will) | Most estates | Very Low |
| Solicitor (complex/trusts) | Complex estates | Very Low |
| Mirror wills (couple) | Married couples, same wishes | Very Low |
Option 1: DIY Will Kits
What Are DIY Will Kits?
DIY will kits are pre-printed forms or templates that allow you to create your own will by filling in blanks. Available from:
- Newsagents
- Online downloads
- Legal stationery suppliers
Are DIY Will Kits Legal?
Yes, but with important caveats:
- The will is only valid if properly executed
- Two witnesses must be present together when you sign (independent adults are best practice)
- Witnesses should not be beneficiaries: in NSW, QLD, TAS and the NT a gift to a witness can fail
- The testator must sign in front of both witnesses
- Common errors can invalidate the entire will
When DIY Kits Are Suitable
| Suitable ✓ | NOT Suitable ✗ |
|---|---|
| Single person, no dependants | Blended families |
| Simple assets (one property, bank accounts) | Business owners |
| Adult children only | Minor children requiring guardians |
| No superannuation with complex nominations | Multiple properties |
| No potential family disputes | International assets |
| No trusts needed | Special needs beneficiaries |
DIY Kit Risks
| Risk | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Incorrect witnessing | Will may be invalid |
| Ambiguous wording | Disputes, litigation |
| Missing assets | Partial intestacy |
| No residue clause | Assets not distributed |
| Beneficiary as witness | Gift can fail (NSW, QLD, TAS, NT) |
| Outdated kit | Non-compliant with current law |
Contested wills can be expensive to resolve, and costs are often paid from the estate.
Option 2: Online Will Services
What Are Online Will Services?
Online will services guide you through creating a will via a digital platform. Features typically include:
- Question-and-answer format
- Checks for common gaps
- Document generation
- Witnessing instructions
- Storage options
WillBuddy Pricing
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Single will | Full guided process |
| Guardianship provisions | Included |
| Specific gifts | Included |
| Residue distribution | Included |
| Witnessing instructions | Included |
| Document storage | While your plan is active |
| Updates | 50 AI edits a year |
| Price | Free to draft and read, then $39 a year to print |
Are Online Wills Valid?
Yes. Online wills can be legally valid in every Australian state and territory provided:
- The document is properly formatted
- Execution requirements are met (signature + two witnesses; in the ACT the witnesses must also sign in front of each other)
- The testator has mental capacity
- No undue influence
The key is the execution, the physical signing and witnessing, not how the document was created.
Online Service Advantages
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective | Fraction of lawyer costs |
| Convenient | Complete from home, any time |
| Guided process | Plain questions cover the main parts of a will |
| Error checking | Built-in validation |
| Easy updates | Simple to modify |
| Storage included | Secure storage while your plan is active |
| Quick turnaround | Complete in one session |
Online Service Limitations
| Limitation | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| No personal advice | Choose service with legal review option |
| Complex situations | Recommend lawyer referral for trusts |
| Execution still required | Clear witnessing instructions provided |
| State variations | Good services adjust for your state |
When to Use Online Services
| Suitable ✓ | Consider Lawyer Instead |
|---|---|
| Clear asset distribution wishes | Complex trusts required |
| Adult beneficiaries | Testamentary discretionary trusts |
| Standard family situations | Business succession |
| Single property or less | Multiple properties across states |
| Superannuation with standard nomination | Self-managed super funds |
| Guardian appointment for minor children | Special needs children requiring trusts |
Option 3: Lawyer-Drafted Wills
When You Need a Lawyer
| Situation | Why Lawyer Essential |
|---|---|
| Blended families | Life interests, multiple children groups |
| Business ownership | Succession planning, tax structures |
| Multiple properties | Complex titles, interstate assets |
| Testamentary trusts | Tax planning, asset protection |
| Special needs beneficiaries | Protect Centrelink benefits |
| International elements | Cross-border estate planning |
| High family provision risk | Proper documentation |
| Self-managed super | Complex SMSF succession |
| High net worth | Tax optimization |
Lawyer Costs
A solicitor's simple will usually costs $595 to $1,200+ (published fixed fees, checked October 2026). Wills with trusts or business succession cost more.
What Affects Lawyer Costs?
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Location | City solicitors charge more than regional |
| Firm size | Large firms often more expensive |
| Complexity | Trusts, business assets increase cost |
| Time spent | Hourly billing vs fixed fee |
| Additional documents | Powers of Attorney add cost |
| Tax advice | Estate planning adds cost |
| Will reviews | Annual reviews may be included |
Option 4: Public Trustee
What Is the Public Trustee?
Each state has a Public Trustee (or equivalent) offering will-making services at reduced costs.
Public Trustee Costs by State
| State | Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | NSW Trustee & Guardian | Check current fees | Concessions may apply |
| VIC | State Trustees | Check current fees | Concessions may apply |
| QLD | Public Trustee QLD | Check current fees | Concessions may apply |
Fees and eligibility change, so check the current details on each organisation's website. If a Public Trustee is appointed executor, it charges fees for administering the estate.
Public Trustee Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low cost/free for eligible | Appointment wait times |
| Professional service | May require them as executor |
| Secure will storage | Less personalised service |
| Government-backed | Limited appointment flexibility |
Option 5: Community Legal Centres
Who Can Access Free Services?
Community Legal Centres (CLCs) offer free will services to eligible people:
- Low-income individuals
- Pensioners
- People with disabilities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Other vulnerable groups
How to Find CLC Will Services
| State | Organisation | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | LawAccess NSW | 1300 888 529 |
| VIC | Victoria Legal Aid | 1300 792 387 |
| QLD | Legal Aid Queensland | 1300 651 188 |
| National | National Association of CLCs | www.naclc.org.au |
Decision Framework: Which Option Is Right?
Step 1: Assess Your Estate Complexity
| Complexity Level | Indicators |
|---|---|
| Simple | Single, no dependants, one property, straightforward beneficiaries |
| Moderate | Married, adult children, multiple assets, clear wishes |
| Complex | Blended family, business, trusts needed, high value, disputes likely |
Step 2: Match Complexity to Option
| Your Situation | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Simple, budget-conscious | Online will service |
| Simple, want reassurance | Public Trustee or online |
| Moderate complexity | Quality online service |
| Moderate, prefer professional | Solicitor (simple) |
| Complex, no trusts | Solicitor (standard) |
| Complex with trusts | Solicitor (complex) |
| Business succession | Specialist solicitor |
Decision Tree
Do you have a blended family?
→ YES → Lawyer recommended
Do you own a business?
→ YES → Lawyer recommended
Do you need testamentary trusts?
→ YES → Lawyer required
Do you have international assets?
→ YES → Specialist lawyer required
Do you have special needs beneficiaries?
→ YES → Lawyer required (Special Disability Trust)
Is your estate over $2 million?
→ YES → Lawyer recommended for tax planning
None of the above?
→ Online will service likely suitable
Common Mistakes to Avoid
DIY Kit Mistakes
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Witnessing errors | Both witnesses present, sign together |
| Beneficiary as witness | Use independent witnesses only |
| Vague gifts | Be specific about items and recipients |
| Missing residue clause | Include "rest and residue" provision |
| Not revoking old will | State "I revoke all previous wills" |
Online Will Mistakes
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Skipping witnessing | Follow instructions exactly |
| Not printing properly | Print on quality paper, all pages |
| Poor storage | Store safely, tell executor location |
| Not updating | Review after life changes |
Lawyer Appointment Mistakes
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Not preparing | List assets and wishes beforehand |
| Unclear instructions | Bring written notes |
| Not asking questions | Understand every clause |
| Not getting copies | Keep certified copy safely |
State-Specific Considerations
New South Wales
- Legislation: Succession Act 2006
- Witness rules: Two witnesses; a gift to a witness is void unless an exception applies (s10)
- Informal wills: Court can validate if satisfied you intended the document to be your will (s8)
- Public Trustee: NSW Trustee & Guardian
Victoria
- Legislation: Wills Act 1997
- Witness rules: Two witnesses; a witness can still take their gift (s11)
- Informal wills: Court discretion to validate
- Public Trustee: State Trustees Victoria
Queensland
- Legislation: Succession Act 1981
- Witness rules: Two witnesses; a gift to a beneficiary-witness is void unless an exception applies (s11)
- Informal wills: Court can validate informal documents
- Public Trustee: Public Trustee of Queensland
Hidden Costs to Consider
| Scenario | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|
| Invalid will (intestacy) | Estate passes under intestacy rules, possible disputes and legal costs |
| Contested will | Litigation costs, often paid from the estate |
| Missing assets | Partial intestacy or assets not going where you intended |
| Tax inefficiency | Tax that planning might have reduced |
| Family provision claim | Legal costs and a changed distribution |
The cheapest will option isn't always the most cost-effective when considering potential consequences.
Related Guides
- Lawyer Will Cost Australia – Detailed lawyer pricing
- Online Will vs Lawyer – Full comparison
- Will Kits Australia – DIY kit deep-dive
- Will Requirements Australia – Legal validity rules
- Will Executor Role – Choosing executors
Further Resources
- NSW Trustee & Guardian
- State Trustees Victoria
- Public Trustee Queensland
- Law Society NSW – Find a Solicitor
- Law Institute Victoria
- Queensland Law Society
Getting Started with WillBuddy
WillBuddy combines the low cost of online will-making with guided questions and automatic checks for common gaps. It is designed for people anywhere in Australia who want a will without a lawyer's fee, and it tells you when a lawyer is the better choice.
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This content is general information only and is not legal advice. Estate planning laws vary between Australian states and territories, so consider seeking advice from a qualified legal professional for your specific circumstances.