How Much Does a Will Cost With a Lawyer in Australia?

A will says who gets what, and who you'd want to raise your kids. Without one, the law in your state or territory decides who inherits. Here's what each way of making one costs.

Lawyer Will Costs: Quick Reference

What's Included at Each Price Point

Simple Will

Typically includes:

• Initial consultation (20-30 minutes, often by phone)
• Basic will drafting (residuary gift, 1-2 beneficiaries)
• One round of minor revisions
• Execution ceremony (witnessing)
• One certified copy

Usually excludes:

• Powers of Attorney (additional $150-300 each)
• Multiple consultations
• Complex specific gifts
• Trust provisions
• Will storage

Best for: Single individuals, young people with minimal assets, or anyone with simple "everything to my spouse/children" wishes.

Standard Will

Typically includes:

• Comprehensive consultation (45-60 minutes, in-person or video)
• Detailed will with specific gifts and backup beneficiaries
• Appointment of guardians for minor children
• Two rounds of revisions
• Execution ceremony and two certified copies
• Basic will storage (often 1-2 years included)

May include (varies by firm):

• Simple life interest provisions
• Backup executors
• Gift of specific assets (property, vehicles)
• Charitable bequests

Best for: Families with children, moderate assets, or anyone wanting comprehensive coverage without complex structures.

Complex Will

Typically includes:

• Extended consultation (60-90 minutes or multiple sessions)
• Complex will with trusts, conditions, or business provisions
• Unlimited revisions during initial drafting
• Execution ceremony and multiple certified copies
• Will storage (often 5+ years)
• Letter of wishes guidance

Commonly includes:

• Testamentary discretionary trusts (for tax/asset protection)
• Life interests with remainder gifts
• Business succession provisions
• Superannuation binding death benefit nominations
• Property-specific clauses

Best for: Business owners, blended families, estates over $1 million, or situations with family provision claim risk.

Estate Planning Package

Typically includes:

• Will (simple to standard complexity)
• Enduring Power of Attorney (financial decisions)
• Enduring Guardian/Medical Power of Attorney
• Consultation covering all documents
• Execution and storage

Value calculation: Individual pricing would typically be:

• Will: $400-800
• Power of Attorney: $200-400
• Enduring Guardian: $150-300
• Total individual: $750-1,500

Package saving: a package is often cheaper than buying each document separately

Hidden Costs and Fees to Watch For

Before You Sign: Questions to Ask

1. Is this a fixed fee? Get it in writing
2. What's included? Consultation, revisions, execution, copies
3. What costs extra? Storage, future changes, document retrieval
4. Hourly rate if exceeded? What happens if your will becomes more complex

Common Additional Charges

Red Flags

⚠️ Hourly billing without caps, Costs can spiral unpredictably ⚠️ "Executor appointment" fees, Some firms charge extra to be named executor, then charge estate fees upon death ⚠️ "Review and update" subscriptions, Often unnecessary; review your will after major life events or every few years ⚠️ Bundled services you don't need, Don't pay for business succession planning if you don't have a business

Public Trustee vs Private Lawyer

Each Australian state has a Public Trustee (or equivalent) offering will services. Here's how they compare:

Public Trustee Will Services by State

Fees change over time, so check the current fee schedule on your state's Public Trustee website before deciding.

When Public Trustee Makes Sense

✅ Very simple estates (single beneficiary) ✅ No family member able/willing to be executor ✅ Estates under $200,000 (where percentage fees are manageable) ✅ Need for impartial professional executor

When Private Lawyer Is Better

✅ Estates over $500,000 (percentage fees become expensive) ✅ Family member willing to be executor (no ongoing fees) ✅ Complex family situations needing personalized advice ✅ Testamentary trusts or business succession ✅ Potential for disputes (specialist advice valuable)

Cost Comparison Example (Hypothetical)

For example, suppose a will-maker pays a private lawyer a one-off fee and appoints a family member as executor, who does not charge. The main cost is the lawyer's fee. If the same person instead used a free Public Trustee will and appointed the Public Trustee as executor, the Public Trustee's fees would be paid from the estate, and a percentage-based fee grows with the size of the estate.

Key Insight: "Free" will preparation from Public Trustees may not be free in the long run for moderate-to-large estates. Compare the current published fees before you decide.

When Is a Lawyer Worth the Cost?

Definitely Worth It

Probably Not Worth It

Cost Comparison: All Options

Value Assessment

Best value for simple estates: a guided online service

• Built-in checks help catch common gaps and mistakes
• Designed around your state's signing and witnessing rules (see How to Make a Will in Victoria and the other state guides)
• Some services offer an optional lawyer review

Best value for complex estates: Specialist estate planning lawyer

• Upfront investment prevents costly mistakes
• Tax planning advice tailored to your situation
• Advice aimed at reducing the risk of family disputes

How to Find a Good Estate Planning Lawyer

Where to Look

1. Law Society Referral Services

• Law Society of NSW
• Law Institute of Victoria
• Queensland Law Society

2. Specialist Accreditations

• Look for "Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates"
• Check STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) membership

3. Questions to Ask

• "What percentage of your work is wills and estates?"
• "How many wills have you prepared?"
• "Do you offer fixed fees?"
• "What's included in your quote?"

Red Flags to Avoid

❌ Refuses to provide fixed fee quote ❌ Pushes expensive options for simple situations ❌ Can't explain why specific provisions are needed ❌ Pressures you to use their firm as executor ❌ No clear cost disclosure before starting

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.

Next Steps

A properly prepared will doesn't have to break the bank. Match your choice to your situation:

• Simple situation? Start with a guided online service
• Moderate complexity? Online service with lawyer review
• Complex estate? Invest in specialist legal advice

Whichever way you choose, what matters is a will that names the people you love. WillBuddy checks your draft for common gaps, like a missing backup executor or no guardian for a child under 18. If you have a business or a family trust, get legal advice.

Related Articles:

• Will Kits Australia, DIY options compared
• Online Wills vs Lawyer, Detailed comparison
• How to Make a Will, Complete guide

Prices are indicative and vary by firm, location, and complexity. Always obtain written quotes before proceeding. This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.