Quick Answer
Will options in Australia range from free DIY kits to $3,000+ for complex lawyer-drafted documents. DIY kits ($0-$50) suit only very simple estates. Online will services ($39-$200) offer guided processes with legal validity checks. Lawyers ($300-$3,000+) are essential for complex estates, trusts, or blended families. All options produce legally valid wills if properly witnessed.
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 detailed cost breakdowns. We provide practical advice from helping thousands of Australians, tailored to each state's requirements.
WillBuddy's online will tool combines affordability with legal guidance, checking key requirements and providing detailed signing instructions, see how the product works.
In This Section You'll Learn
- Detailed cost comparison of all will-making options
- 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 pricing differences
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Featured Guides in This Pillar
Complete Cost Comparison
At-a-Glance Pricing
| Option |
Cost Range |
Best For |
Risk Level |
| Free DIY templates |
$0 |
Extremely simple estates |
High |
| Newsagent/post office kits |
$20-$50 |
Simple estates, no complexity |
Medium-High |
| Online will services |
$39-$200 |
Simple to moderate estates |
Low-Medium |
| Public Trustee |
$80-$200 |
Simple estates, budget-conscious |
Low |
| Community Legal Centre |
Free (eligible) |
Those meeting income criteria |
Low |
| Solicitor (simple will) |
$300-$600 |
Any estate |
Low |
| Solicitor (standard will) |
$400-$800 |
Most estates |
Very Low |
| Solicitor (complex/trusts) |
$800-$3,000+ |
Complex estates |
Very Low |
| Mirror wills (couple) |
$500-$1,200 |
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
- Australia Post
- Online downloads
- Legal stationery suppliers
DIY Kit Costs
| Source |
Typical Cost |
What's Included |
| Australia Post |
$35-$45 |
Basic kit with forms and instructions |
| Newsagent kits |
$20-$40 |
Simple forms, limited guidance |
| Online templates |
$0-$30 |
Downloadable forms, varying quality |
| Legal stationer |
$30-$50 |
More comprehensive kits |
Are Australia Post Will Kits Legal?
Yes, but with important caveats:
- The will is only valid if properly executed
- Two adult witnesses must be present together
- Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or their spouses
- 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 |
Frequency |
| Incorrect witnessing |
Will entirely invalid |
Very common |
| Ambiguous wording |
Disputes, litigation |
Common |
| Missing assets |
Partial intestacy |
Common |
| No residue clause |
Assets not distributed |
Moderate |
| Beneficiary as witness |
Gift fails |
Moderate |
| Outdated kit |
Non-compliant with current law |
Occasional |
Statistics: Over 30% of contested wills in Australia involve DIY documents. The cost of litigation typically exceeds $50,000.
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
- Legal validity checks
- Document generation
- Witnessing instructions
- Storage options
Online Will Service Costs
| Service Level |
Cost Range |
Features |
| Basic online |
$39-$80 |
Simple will, standard clauses |
| Standard online |
$80-$150 |
Executors, specific gifts, guardians |
| Premium online |
$150-$200 |
Trusts, complex provisions |
| Couples packages |
$80-$300 |
Two wills, shared discount |
WillBuddy Pricing
| Feature |
Included |
| Single will |
Full guided process |
| Guardianship provisions |
Included |
| Specific gifts |
Included |
| Residue distribution |
Included |
| Witnessing instructions |
Included |
| Document storage |
Included |
| Updates |
Easy online updates |
Are Online Wills Valid?
Yes. Online wills are legally valid in all Australian states provided:
- The document is properly formatted
- Execution requirements are met (signature + two witnesses)
- 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 |
Prompts ensure nothing missed |
| Error checking |
Built-in validation |
| Easy updates |
Simple to modify |
| Storage included |
Secure document storage |
| 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 by Complexity
| Will Type |
Typical Cost |
Time Required |
| Simple will |
$300-$600 |
1-2 hours |
| Standard will |
$400-$800 |
2-3 hours |
| Complex will |
$800-$1,500 |
3-5 hours |
| Testamentary trust will |
$1,500-$3,000+ |
5+ hours |
| Mirror wills (couple) |
$500-$1,200 |
2-4 hours total |
| Mutual wills |
$800-$1,500 |
3-5 hours |
| Business succession |
$1,500-$5,000+ |
Variable |
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 |
Cost by Location (Approximate)
| Location |
Simple Will |
Complex Will |
| Sydney CBD |
$500-$800 |
$1,500-$3,000 |
| Melbourne CBD |
$450-$750 |
$1,400-$2,800 |
| Brisbane CBD |
$400-$650 |
$1,200-$2,500 |
| Regional NSW |
$300-$500 |
$800-$1,800 |
| Regional VIC |
$300-$500 |
$800-$1,800 |
| Regional QLD |
$300-$500 |
$800-$1,600 |
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 |
$80-$150 |
Free for eligible concession holders |
| VIC |
State Trustees |
$132-$220 |
Discounts for concession holders |
| QLD |
Public Trustee QLD |
Free-$165 |
Free for pensioners/concession |
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 |
Cost |
| Simple, budget-conscious |
Online will service |
$39-$150 |
| Simple, want reassurance |
Public Trustee or online |
$80-$200 |
| Moderate complexity |
Quality online service |
$100-$200 |
| Moderate, prefer professional |
Solicitor (simple) |
$300-$600 |
| Complex, no trusts |
Solicitor (standard) |
$400-$800 |
| Complex with trusts |
Solicitor (complex) |
$800-$3,000+ |
| Business succession |
Specialist solicitor |
$1,500-$5,000+ |
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 adults, not beneficiaries
- Informal wills: Court can validate in exceptional circumstances
- Public Trustee: NSW Trustee & Guardian
Victoria
- Legislation: Wills Act 1997
- Witness rules: Two adults, gifts to witnesses may be void
- Informal wills: Court discretion to validate
- Public Trustee: State Trustees Victoria
Queensland
- Legislation: Succession Act 1981
- Witness rules: Two adults, beneficiary witness gift fails
- Informal wills: Court can validate informal documents
- Public Trustee: Public Trustee of Queensland
Total Cost of Estate Planning
Beyond the Will: Related Costs
| Document |
DIY |
Online |
Lawyer |
| Will |
$0-$50 |
$39-$200 |
$300-$3,000+ |
| Enduring Power of Attorney |
$30-$50 |
$50-$100 |
$150-$400 |
| Advance Care Directive |
$0-$30 |
$30-$80 |
$100-$300 |
| Complete estate plan |
$30-$130 |
$120-$380 |
$550-$3,700+ |
Hidden Costs to Consider
| Scenario |
Potential Cost |
| Invalid will (intestacy) |
$10,000-$100,000+ in disputes |
| Contested will |
$50,000-$500,000+ in litigation |
| Missing assets |
Lost inheritance |
| Tax inefficiency |
Thousands in avoidable tax |
| Family provision claim |
$20,000-$200,000+ |
The cheapest will option isn't always the most cost-effective when considering potential consequences.
Related Guides
Further Resources
Getting Started with WillBuddy
WillBuddy offers the best of both worlds: the affordability of online will-making with the guidance and validity checks typically found in more expensive options. Our platform is designed for Australians who want a legally valid will without the high cost of traditional lawyers.
Start Your Will Now →