How to Update or Change Your Will Australia: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Your will should accurately reflect your current wishes and circumstances. Life changes, marriage, children, divorce, property purchases, deaths in the family, can make your existing will outdated or even counterproductive to your intentions.

The cost of not updating: According to research from the Law Council of Australia and state Public Trustees, approximately 45% of wills are outdated at the time of death, leading to unintended distributions, family disputes, and costly litigation. With average Australian estate values exceeding $500,000 (driven largely by property), an outdated will can redirect hundreds of thousands of dollars away from your intended beneficiaries.

This article is part of WillBuddy's Knowledge Centre providing a complete guide to updating your will in Australia. We cover when to update, how to make changes properly, common mistakes to avoid, and state-specific requirements for all eight Australian jurisdictions.

Key Statistics: Why Will Updates Matter

In This Article You'll Learn

• When you must update your will (trigger events and timelines)
• Step-by-step process for making changes (with sample wording)
• Codicil vs new will: comprehensive decision guide
• Proper execution requirements by state
• How to revoke old wills correctly (destruction protocols)
• Common mistakes that invalidate changes (with case studies)
• State-specific rules for all eight Australian jurisdictions
• Cost comparison: DIY vs professional options
• Complete checklists and notification templates

When to Update Your Will

Understanding when to update your will is crucial, approximately 1 in 3 Australian wills become significantly outdated within five years due to life changes. Here's a comprehensive guide to update triggers.

Life Events Requiring Immediate Updates

The Will Update Timeline

Case Study: The Outdated Will

Background: Richard (58, NSW) made his will in 2015 naming his wife Sarah as sole beneficiary with their two adult children as alternates. In 2019, Richard and Sarah separated but never divorced. Richard began a relationship with Jennifer in 2020. He never updated his will.

When Richard died in 2024:

• His 2015 will was still valid (separation doesn't revoke a will)
• Sarah inherited Richard's entire $1.2 million estate
• Jennifer and Richard's children (from whom he had become estranged) received nothing initially
• Jennifer made a family provision claim, leading to $78,000 in legal fees over 14 months
• Final settlement: Jennifer received $350,000, Sarah received remainder
• Richard's actual wishes (equal to Jennifer and children, nothing to Sarah) were never implemented

What should have happened: Richard should have made a new will immediately upon separation in 2019, and updated it again when his relationship with Jennifer became established.

The Real Cost of Not Updating

Critical Understanding: Marriage and Divorce

Understanding how marriage, divorce, and separation affect your will across all Australian jurisdictions is essential.

Marriage Revokes Your Will

In all Australian states and territories, marriage automatically revokes all previous wills unless:

• The will was made "in contemplation of marriage" to that specific person
• The will expressly states it's not to be revoked by marriage

Critical Warning: If you get married and don't make a new will, you die intestate (without a valid will), and your estate is distributed according to intestacy rules, not your wishes. With approximately 170,000 marriages occurring in Australia each year (ABS 2023), this affects thousands of families annually.

Divorce Partially Revokes Your Will

Divorce automatically revokes provisions relating to your former spouse, but the rest of your will remains valid:

State-by-State Divorce Effects:

Important Nuance: The revoked provisions are treated as if your ex-spouse died before you, which may redirect assets in unexpected ways. For example, if your will said "to my spouse, or if they predecease me, to their children, " the gift might pass to your ex-spouse's children rather than your own.

Separation Has NO Effect

This is critical to understand: Separation alone does NOT change your will in ANY Australian jurisdiction:

Real-World Impact: With approximately 49,000 divorces in Australia each year (ABS 2023), there are many more separations that never proceed to divorce. Each separated person who hasn't updated their will is at risk of their estate passing contrary to their wishes.

Action Required: Update your will immediately upon separation if you want to change your spouse's entitlement. Don't wait for the divorce to be finalised, many separations last years, and tragedy can strike at any time.

Two Methods for Updating Your Will

There are only two legally valid ways to change your will in Australia: making a codicil or creating an entirely new will. Understanding when to use each method is crucial.

Cost Comparison: Codicil vs New Will

Important: The cost difference between a codicil and new will is minimal ($50-$500), but the risk difference is substantial. A problematic codicil can lead to disputes costing $25,000-$100,000+.

Option 1: Codicil

A codicil is a separate document that amends specific provisions of your existing will without replacing the entire will. It's a rarely appropriate option in modern estate planning.

Key Principle: In approximately 90% of cases, a new will is the better choice than a codicil.

When to Use a Codicil

Codicil Suitability Checklist

Use a codicil only if ALL of these apply:

• You're making only ONE change
• The change is minor/administrative
• Your existing will is less than 5 years old
• Your existing will is well-drafted and clear
• You have NO existing codicils
• The change doesn't affect major distributions
• The change doesn't create any inconsistencies
• No major life events have occurred since original will
• You're confident in all other provisions

If ANY of these don't apply → make a new will instead.

Why Codicils Are Risky

Option 2: New Will (Recommended)

Making a completely new will is recommended for most situations, it creates a single, clean document that clearly states all your wishes.

When to Make a New Will

The 90% Rule

In approximately 90% of situations where someone considers a codicil, a new will is the better choice.

Decision Tree: Codicil or New Will?

Is your will over 5 years old?
├── YES → Make new will
└── NO → Continue...

Have you already made a codicil?
├── YES → Make new will
└── NO → Continue...

Are you making more than ONE change?
├── YES → Make new will
└── NO → Continue...

Is the change major (executor, beneficiary, distribution)?
├── YES → Make new will
└── NO → Continue...

Have you had a major life event since the will?
├── YES → Make new will
└── NO → Codicil MAY be appropriate

Even then, consider: Is saving $100-$300 worth the risk?
→ If in doubt, make a new will

Step-by-Step: Making a Codicil

If you've determined a codicil is genuinely appropriate (single minor change, recent will, no existing codicils), follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Review Your Existing Will

Warning: If you cannot locate your original will, DO NOT make a codicil. You may need to make a new will or engage a lawyer to establish what will exists.

Step 2: Draft the Codicil

Essential elements every codicil must contain:

Sample Codicil: Changing Executor

FIRST CODICIL TO THE WILL OF JENNIFER ANNE SMITH

I, JENNIFER ANNE SMITH of 45 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000,
DECLARE this to be the First Codicil to my Will dated 15 March 2022.

1. I REVOKE clause 2 of my said Will which appointed MICHAEL JAMES
 THOMPSON as my Executor and Trustee.

2. IN PLACE of the said MICHAEL JAMES THOMPSON, I APPOINT
 SARAH LOUISE WILSON of 78 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
 as Executor and Trustee of my Will.

3. IN ALL OTHER RESPECTS I confirm my said Will dated 15 March 2022.

SIGNED by me this ______ day of _____________ 20____


_______________________________
JENNIFER ANNE SMITH


SIGNED by the above-named JENNIFER ANNE SMITH in our joint presence
and then by us in her presence and in the presence of each other:


WITNESS 1: WITNESS 2:

Signature: ___________________ Signature: ___________________

Full Name: ___________________ Full Name: ___________________

Address: ____________________ Address: ____________________

 ____________________ ____________________

Occupation: _________________ Occupation: _________________

Date: ______________________ Date: ______________________

Sample Codicil: Adding a Small Gift

FIRST CODICIL TO THE WILL OF ROBERT JAMES CHEN

I, ROBERT JAMES CHEN of 123 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000,
DECLARE this to be the First Codicil to my Will dated 8 November 2023.

1. IN ADDITION to the gifts contained in my said Will, I GIVE the sum
 of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00) to THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA
 (ABN 99 448 844 401) for its general charitable purposes.

2. This gift shall be paid from my residuary estate before distribution
 to my residuary beneficiaries.

3. IN ALL OTHER RESPECTS I confirm my said Will dated 8 November 2023.

SIGNED by me this ______ day of _____________ 20____

[Continue with attestation clause as above]

Sample Codicil: Updating Address

FIRST CODICIL TO THE WILL OF MARGARET ANNE O'BRIEN

I, MARGARET ANNE O'BRIEN of 56 Pitt Street, Perth WA 6000,
DECLARE this to be the First Codicil to my Will dated 22 June 2024.

1. I UPDATE my personal address in my said Will from "89 Murray Street,
 Perth WA 6000" to "56 Pitt Street, Perth WA 6000".

2. IN ALL OTHER RESPECTS I confirm my said Will dated 22 June 2024.

SIGNED by me this ______ day of _____________ 20____

[Continue with attestation clause as above]

Step 3: Execute the Codicil

A codicil requires exactly the same formalities as a will. There are no shortcuts.

Execution Procedure

Step 4: Store Properly

Step 5: Notification Checklist

After making a codicil, notify these people:

• Primary executor (essential)
• Alternate executor (if applicable)
• Lawyer who holds will (if applicable)
• Public Trustee (if they hold will)
• Family member who knows will location

Step-by-Step: Making a New Will

Making a new will is the recommended approach for most changes. Follow this comprehensive process.

Step 1: Review Current Situation

Before drafting, gather all necessary information:

Asset Inventory

Note: Superannuation and life insurance policies with nominated beneficiaries generally pass outside your will, review those nominations separately.

Beneficiary and Executor Information

Step 2: Draft the New Will

Every valid will must contain these essential elements:

Sample New Will Structure

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [FULL LEGAL NAME]

I, [FULL LEGAL NAME] of [Full Address], revoke all former wills
and testamentary dispositions made by me and declare this to be
my last will.

1. EXECUTOR AND TRUSTEE
 I appoint [EXECUTOR NAME] of [Address] to be the Executor and
 Trustee of this my Will. If [EXECUTOR NAME] is unable or unwilling
 to act, I appoint [ALTERNATE NAME] of [Address] in their place.

2. FUNERAL WISHES (optional)
 I request that my body be [buried/cremated] and my funeral be
 conducted [any specific wishes].

3. SPECIFIC GIFTS
 I give the following specific gifts free of all duties and expenses:
 (a) My [item description] to [BENEFICIARY NAME];
 (b) [continue as needed]

4. PECUNIARY GIFTS
 I give the following sums free of all duties and expenses:
 (a) $[amount] to [BENEFICIARY NAME];
 (b) [continue as needed]

5. RESIDUE
 Subject to payment of my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses,
 I give the residue of my estate to [BENEFICIARY/IES] in the
 following shares: [specify percentages or "in equal shares"]

6. GUARDIANSHIP (if applicable)
 If at my death I have children under the age of 18 years,
 I appoint [GUARDIAN NAME] of [Address] to be guardian of such
 children. If [GUARDIAN NAME] is unable or unwilling to act,
 I appoint [ALTERNATE] in their place.

7. GENERAL PROVISIONS
 [Any additional clauses as needed]

SIGNED by [YOUR NAME] as their Will in the presence of us both
present at the same time who at their request and in their
presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed
our names as witnesses:

TESTATOR:

Signature: _________________________

Date: _____________________________


WITNESSES:

WITNESS 1 WITNESS 2

Signature: _____________________ Signature: _____________________

Full Name: _____________________ Full Name: _____________________

Address: _______________________ Address: _______________________

 _______________________ _______________________

Occupation: ____________________ Occupation: ____________________

Step 3: Execute the New Will

The execution ceremony must be performed exactly right, errors can invalidate the entire will.

Pre-Execution Checklist

• Will is printed on good quality paper (no erasures, no correction fluid)
• All pages are numbered (e.g., "Page 1 of 4")
• Your full name appears on every page
• Two suitable witnesses are available (adults, not beneficiaries)
• All parties in same room with good lighting
• Pen with permanent ink available (same pen for all signatures)

Execution Procedure

Warning: If witnesses sign at different times, or out of sight of each other, the will may be invalid. This is the most common execution error.

Step 4: Handle the Old Will

CRITICAL: Only destroy your old will AFTER your new will is properly executed and stored.

Old Will Destruction Protocol

Destruction Methods

Step 5: Notification and Records

Notification Template Letter

[Your Address]
[Date]

Dear [Executor Name],

I am writing to inform you that I have made a new Will dated [date].

This new Will replaces all previous wills and codicils I have made.
I have destroyed my previous Will dated [old date].

My new Will is stored at: [storage location]

Please retain this letter with your records and acknowledge receipt
at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions about your appointment as Executor, please
don't hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

[Your signature]
[Your printed name]

Post-Execution Checklist

• New will signed and witnessed correctly
• New will stored securely
• Old will and copies destroyed
• Executor notified in writing
• Will registry updated (if applicable)
• Superannuation nominations reviewed (separate from will)
• Life insurance nominations reviewed (separate from will)
• Document storage location recorded with trusted person

Witnessing Requirements

Proper witnessing is the most common cause of will invalidation. Approximately 15% of contested wills involve witnessing irregularities, with resolution costs averaging $20,000-$50,000. Understanding and following these rules precisely is essential.

Who Can Be a Witness

Witnessing Procedure: Step-by-Step

Critical Rule: All three signatures must occur in the same "ceremony" with all parties present throughout. Witnesses leaving the room momentarily, signing at different times, or not actually watching you sign can all invalidate the will.

State-by-State Witnessing Requirements

What If a Witness Is a Beneficiary?

In several Australian states (notably NSW, QLD, TAS and NT), if a beneficiary (or their spouse/partner) witnesses the will, the gift to that person fails, though the rest of the will remains valid and a court may grant relief. Victoria (Wills Act 1997 s11), South Australia (Succession Act 2023 s13), the ACT (Wills Act 1968 s15) and WA (Wills Act 1970 s12) are exceptions, where the gift is not void. Because the rules vary by state, using independent witnesses is the safest approach.

Case Study: The $180,000 Witnessing Error

Background: Margaret (72, NSW) made her will leaving $180,000 to her carer, Susan. Susan's husband David witnessed the will alongside a neighbour, neither party realised David's status as Susan's spouse would affect the gift.

The Result:

• David was treated as a beneficiary (as Susan's spouse)
• Susan's $180,000 gift was automatically void under s10 Succession Act 2006 (NSW)
• The $180,000 fell into residue, passing to Margaret's estranged nephew
• Susan's court application to validate the gift cost $35,000 and took 8 months
• The court ultimately denied the application due to Susan's position of influence as carer

The Lesson: Always choose witnesses with NO connection to any beneficiary. When in doubt, use professionals (lawyer, JP, bank staff) who have no personal interest.

Remote Witnessing Rules (Post-COVID)

Some states now allow remote witnessing under specific conditions:

Recommendation: Even where remote witnessing is permitted, in-person witnessing is always preferred as it's universally accepted and avoids any potential challenge to validity.

How to Properly Revoke a Will

Understanding revocation is critical, improper revocation is the second most common cause of will-related litigation after witnessing errors. Approximately 12% of contested estates involve revocation disputes, with average legal costs of $30,000-$70,000.

Valid Revocation Methods: All Eight States

State-by-State Revocation Legislation

What Does NOT Revoke a Will

Physical Destruction Requirements

For destruction to constitute valid revocation, two elements must be present:

1. Physical act of destruction (burning, tearing, shredding)
2. Intention to revoke (not accidental destruction)

Case Study: The "Destroyed" Will That Wasn't

Background: Harold (81, QLD) told his family he had "torn up" his 2018 will that left his $650,000 estate equally to his three children. He said he wanted to leave everything to his daughter Grace who cared for him. He never made a new will.

After Harold's death:

• No intact 2018 will was found
• But a photocopy of the 2018 will was found in his papers
• Grace claimed the will was revoked by destruction
• The other two children claimed Harold still had capacity issues and the "destruction" wasn't valid revocation

The Result:

• Estate spent $45,000 in legal fees over 12 months
• Court found the photocopy could prove the will's contents
• Without clear evidence of destruction with intent, the 2018 will was probated
• Estate distributed equally to all three children, not as Harold verbally intended

The Lesson: Never rely on destruction alone. ALWAYS make a new will with a clear revocation clause if you want to change your testamentary wishes.

Best Practice Revocation Process

Sample Revocation Clause

Standard Revocation (Recommended):

I revoke all former wills and testamentary dispositions made by me
and declare this to be my last will.

Explicit Revocation (Extra Clear):

I, [FULL NAME], hereby revoke all wills, codicils, and testamentary
dispositions previously made by me, including but not limited to:
- My will dated [DATE] prepared by [LAWYER/SELF]
- Any codicils thereto
and I declare this to be my last will and testament.

What If the Original Will Can't Be Found?

If you can't locate your original will:

Action Required: If you cannot find your original will but do NOT intend to revoke it, make a new will immediately. Don't leave your estate in uncertainty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These five mistakes account for approximately 75% of all will update errors that lead to litigation. Each is entirely preventable with proper knowledge and process.

Mistake 1: Writing on Your Will

The Error: Attempting to change a will by crossing out, adding text, or making annotations directly on the signed document.

Case Study: The Crossed-Out Son

Background: Dorothy (77, SA) had a falling out with her son Mark after discovering he had gambling debts. She took her will and crossed out Mark's name as a beneficiary, writing her daughter's name above it. She also crossed out "$100,000" for Mark and wrote "$0".

After Dorothy died:

• The will's alterations were invalid, made after execution without witnesses
• Mark argued the original provisions should apply
• Dorothy's daughter argued the crossings-out showed Dorothy's intent
• Court ruled the alterations were invalid, but the underlying provisions were also now unclear
• Estate spent $67,000 and 18 months determining how to interpret the damaged will
• Final distribution: Different from both the original will AND Dorothy's actual intentions

The Solution: Never alter a signed will. Make a codicil (for minor changes) or new will (recommended).

Mistake 2: Improper Witnessing

The Error: Failing to follow witnessing requirements precisely, even in minor details.

Case Study: The Kitchen Witness

Background: Thomas (68, WA) typed his new will and asked his wife Mary to witness it. Mary was not a beneficiary, their adult children were. Thomas signed while Mary watched. Then Thomas asked his neighbour Steve to "also sign as witness." Steve signed in the hallway after Thomas and Mary had left the kitchen.

After Thomas died:

• Mary was present when Thomas signed, but Steve was not
• Steve did not witness Thomas's signature, he only saw the document afterwards
• The will failed the "both witnesses present together, watching the testator sign" requirement
• $42,000 in legal fees to apply to court to validate the will
• Court ultimately validated, but only after 14 months and significant family stress

The Solution: ALWAYS have both witnesses present together, watching you sign, then signing in your presence and each other's presence.

Mistake 3: Forgetting Revocation Clause

The Error: Making a new will without including an explicit revocation clause.

Case Study: The Two Wills Problem

Background: Patricia (65, NSW) made a will in 2019 leaving her estate to her three children equally. In 2023, she made a new will with the same children but different percentages (40% to eldest, 30% to each of the younger two). She didn't include a revocation clause in the 2023 will.

After Patricia died:

• Both wills were found, both properly executed
• The 2023 will didn't expressly revoke the 2019 will
• Children disputed which distributions applied
• Some provisions were consistent, others weren't
• Court had to determine: revocation by implication? Or both wills valid?
• Estate spent $38,000 over 9 months resolving the issue
• Final ruling: 2023 will prevailed (later in time, wholly inconsistent), but outcome was uncertain until then

The Solution: ALWAYS include: "I revoke all former wills and testamentary dispositions made by me and declare this to be my last will."

Mistake 4: Not Destroying Old Will

The Error: Keeping the old will (or copies) after making a new one, creating confusion about which will applies.

Case Study: The Drawer Will

Background: Anthony (59, VIC) made a new will in 2022 revoking his 2018 will and leaving his $1.1 million estate primarily to his new partner Diane rather than equally to his children. He stored the 2022 will with his lawyer but forgot his 2018 will was still in his desk drawer at home.

After Anthony died:

• Children found the 2018 will first and submitted it for probate
• Diane discovered the 2022 will with the lawyer
• Both wills submitted to court, creating "caveat" situation
• Children argued the 2018 will was "the real will" (Anthony stored it carefully)
• Estate spent $55,000 in litigation before 2022 will was confirmed as valid
• Diane received the estate, but 11 months later than necessary

The Solution: After your new will is properly executed and stored, physically destroy the old will and ALL copies. Mark any copies you can't destroy "REVOKED - [date] - Superseded by will dated [new date]."

Mistake 5: Not Updating After Separation

The Error: Assuming that separating from your spouse automatically changes your will. It does not.

Case Study: The Separated Spouse (Featured Earlier)

Recall Richard's case from earlier: Separated but not divorced from Sarah in 2019, began relationship with Jennifer in 2020, never updated his will. Died in 2024, Sarah inherited his $1.2 million estate under the 2015 will. Jennifer's family provision claim resulted in $78,000 in legal fees over 14 months. Richard's actual wishes were never fully implemented.

Additional Statistics:

• Average time from separation to divorce in Australia: 2.7 years
• Percentage of separated couples who never divorce: ~15%
• Percentage of separated people with outdated wills: Estimated 60-70%

The Solution: Update your will immediately upon separation, the same week if possible. Don't wait for divorce proceedings. You can always update again later if circumstances change.

Summary: Five Mistakes That Cost Australians Millions

State-Specific Rules

Each Australian state and territory has its own wills legislation. While the core requirements are similar across all jurisdictions, there are important differences that can affect your will's validity. Here is a comprehensive guide to all eight jurisdictions.

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

South Australia

Western Australia

Tasmania

Australian Capital Territory

Northern Territory

Key Differences Between States

Moving Between States

If you move interstate, your will remains valid if it was valid where made. However, consider making a new will because:

Recommendation: If you permanently relocate to a new state, make a new will within 6 months that references your new state's legislation and is stored locally.

Update Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your will update is legally valid and properly documented. Studies show that following a structured checklist reduces will update errors by 85%.

Phase 1: Preparation (Before Making Changes)

Phase 2A: Codicil Process (For Minor Changes)

Phase 2B: New Will Process (For Major Changes)

Phase 3: Post-Update Verification

Checklist Summary Card

Print this card and keep with your will:

WILL UPDATE RECORD

Will-maker: _________________________________
Original Will Date: _________________________
Update Date: _______________________________
Update Type: ☐ Codicil ☐ New Will
Witnesses:
 1. _________________________ (signature on file)
 2. _________________________ (signature on file)
Executor Notified: ☐ Yes Date: _____________
Storage Location: __________________________
Next Review Due: ___________________________

Common Checklist Oversights

Based on analysis of contested estates, these are the most frequently missed checklist items:

When to Seek Professional Help

While many straightforward will updates can be done independently, certain situations require professional legal assistance. According to the Law Council of Australia, approximately 40% of will updates involve complexities that benefit from legal advice, but only 15% of Australians seek it.

Professional Help Decision Matrix

Situations Requiring Professional Advice

Family Complexity Situations

Financial Complexity Situations

Case Study: The $250,000 DIY Disaster

Background: Brian (67, NSW) had a blended family, three children from his first marriage and two stepchildren. His estate was worth $1.8 million. He used an online will-maker to create his own will, leaving everything to his second wife Margaret.

The Problem:

• Brian didn't understand that his biological children could make family provision claims
• He didn't include any explanation of his reasoning
• He didn't create a testamentary trust to protect Margaret's inheritance
• He didn't update his SMSF death benefit nomination

The Result:

• After Brian's death, his three children made family provision claims
• Margaret spent $95,000 defending the estate
• The court awarded Brian's children $280,000 combined
• Legal fees for all parties exceeded $250,000
• Estate distribution took 3 years instead of 6 months

What Professional Help Would Have Cost: $4,000-$6,000 for proper estate planning

What Professional Help Would Have Provided:

• Proper family provision protection strategy
• Testamentary trust protecting Margaret's inheritance
• Evidence file documenting Brian's reasoning
• Correct SMSF death benefit nomination
• Estimated savings: $400,000+ and 2.5 years

Finding the Right Professional

State Law Societies and Referral Services

Questions to Ask a Lawyer

Before your appointment, prepare these questions:

Legislation and Official Resources

Will-making in Australia is governed by each state and territory's own succession legislation. The core statutes include:

• New South Wales: Succession Act 2006 (NSW)
• Victoria: Wills Act 1997 (Vic)
• Queensland: Succession Act 1981 (Qld)
• South Australia: Succession Act 2023 (SA)
• Western Australia: Wills Act 1970 (WA)
• Tasmania: Wills Act 2008 (Tas)
• Australian Capital Territory: Wills Act 1968 (ACT)
• Northern Territory: Wills Act 2000 (NT)

Because requirements differ between states and are amended over time, always confirm the current rules for your state, or seek advice from a qualified legal professional.

Related Guides

Understanding how to update your will connects to many other aspects of estate planning. These guides provide deeper coverage of related topics:

Update-Specific Guides

Life Event Guides

Estate Administration Guides

Further Resources

Official Government Resources by State

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

South Australia

Western Australia

Tasmania

Australian Capital Territory

Northern Territory

National Resources

Educational Resources

Getting Started with WillBuddy

Keeping your will current doesn't have to be complicated. WillBuddy's guided process helps Australians maintain up-to-date wills with confidence.

What WillBuddy Offers

Who WillBuddy Is Right For

✅ Good fit:

• Straightforward family situations
• Standard asset distributions
• Single-state assets
• No complex tax planning needs
• Simple executor arrangements

⚠️ May need additional professional advice:

• Blended families (use WillBuddy + lawyer review)
• Business assets (consult business succession lawyer)
• High-value estates over $2M (tax planning specialist recommended)
• International assets (international estate lawyer needed)

Start Your Will Update

WillBuddy guides you through identifying what's changed, making the right choice between codicil and new will, and ensuring proper execution.

Last updated: November 2025. This guide provides general information about updating wills in Australia. It is not legal advice. For complex situations, consult a qualified legal professional in your state.