Getting a Will is now easier than ever. You can even do it in the comforts of your own home! Read on to see who's the best among the Will providers that we've rounded up for you.

Do you know that a Will is one of the most important legal documents that you need to have? There are several reasons why you need one, but knowing that your family and your assets are legally protected when you’re gone sums it all up.

A Finder study shows that almost 50% of Australian adults do not have a Will. This figure is quite alarming, especially with the uncertainties that the world is facing today. The same research also stated that 34% of the respondents would want to get one but just do not know how to go about it.

If you are also at a loss on how to start, here’s a list of the four best options for getting a Will. Since most are accessible online, you can start right now! Prioritizing this legal process would be a priceless act  that you’d be doing not only for yourself but for your family as well.

Some Essential Tips Before You Begin...

Before you decide which will builder service to choose, take note of the following things you need to consider.

1. Every state in Australia has different sets of rules and requirements regarding Wills. So if you have substantial assets, assets located interstate or overseas, a complicated family situation, or a complex estate arrangement, take care in using an Online Will Kit. You really should get legal advice from an experienced lawyer to ensure you and your assets are adequately protected.
2. Wills can be as simple or as complex as your circumstances. While it’s always best to get legal advice, it’s even more important when your circumstances are complex - see our handy table below to find out if this applies to you!
3. Wills aren’t the end of the story - While it’s our focus here, when planning for that inevitable moment it's important to consider who’s going to make important financial and medical decisions on your behalf. That’s where Power of Attorney and Living Will become essential. Find out more here.

1. Swanwick Murray Roche (SMR) Lawyer

What They Offer

 There are many law firms out there that offer Wills. We looked at SMR, a Queensland-based law firm, that provides estate planning services, as an example since all of their prices are online. Though their prices are online, they are definitely not the standard! 

SMR offers a three-step process for securing a Will. The first step involves an initial call to set up an appointment. It is followed by an actual meeting with a lawyer to discuss the client’s circumstances and situation. At this point, the client also needs to submit the necessary documents pertaining to his or her assets. The law firm will then give an estimate of the cost and timeline for the completion of the Will. The last step would be the implementation or drafting of the Will by a lawyer.

2. Bare Cremation

What They Offer

Bare Cremation is an online service that provides simplified will templates made by solicitors in accordance with local legislation. They have  DIY Will builder packages to suit your budget and needs. All of the forms can be completed online. They also offer a free 15-minute online consultation to help you get started.

3. My Legal Will by McDonald Legal

What They Offer

My Legal Will is an Online Will Builder kit backed by the McDonald Legal Firm. You’ll be able to complete a legally binding Will in 30 minutes or less. An estate lawyer will then review your Will to make sure it is valid. Certified copies of your Will are given to your executor and hidden in their vaults.

4. Willed

What They Offer

Willed is an online will builder platform that lets you create a will in 15 minutes or less. When you’re done filling up their lawyer-created templates, they will be reviewed and checked by their wills and estate experts.

5. MyLife Wills 

What They Offer

MyLife Wills is the online service arm of the Maurice Blackburn law firm. It allows you to provide instructions about your Will in 30 minutes or less. One of their lawyers will call you to review the details with you and draft your Will.

6. State Trustees

What They Offer

State Trustees, owned by the Public Trustee for Victoria, offers an Online Will kit which you can finish in 30 minutes. Their Will uses an Australian legal template that is valid in all states.

They also offer lawyer-drafted Wills, consultations and other estate planning documents but for a separate fee and hourly rate. This service is only available to those who live in Victoria.

7. inAdvisor

What We Offer

inAdvisor is an online marketplace for lawyers that offers a standard Will, drafted by a lawyer for a fixed fee. Drafting your Will with inAdvisor offers all the simplicity of Online Will Kit providers in that you can complete an easy form online to get started. 

Yet, the big difference is we also give you the confidence of knowing that an experienced lawyer with a minimum 4- star rating will consider your personal situation and create a Will that protects your unique circumstances and assets. 

Plus, there are different options to suit different needs- from a standard Will, to complex Wills (for people with trusts, companies, or SMSFs). We provide you with optional add- ons for other important estate planning documents, all at fixed fees. 

So, no matter where you are in Australia, we have lawyers available that can address all your estate planning needs in an easy process at low rates that are made clear to you upfront.

It is now easier than ever to secure a Will. You can even start the process in the comfort of your own home. It all begins with finding the right provider that suits your budget and needs. So go ahead and take control of your future. Your family will thank you for it.

Still thinking on whether to get a DIY Online Will Kit or seek help from a lawyer? We always recommend consulting an experienced lawyer, but consult our checklist below first to understand if you fall into a bucket of people who are particularly recommended to seek legal advice:

Get a lawyer to draft your will if you:

• Have multiple assets, assets in another state or country, or have complicated assets.  
• Have foreign bank accounts or investments. 
• Own a business that you want to leave to someone.   
• Have intellectual property rights. ( licenses or copyrights, patents, or other rights that will continue after you die.)   
• Have an interest in a family trust, superannuation fund, private company, or partnership.
• You want to include any kind of trust in your will.   
• Have a child or other beneficiaries with special needs or disabilities.   
• Have a dependent that needs long-term medical care. 
• Are sick, in a hospital or at an advanced age.   
• Have an ongoing matrimonial dispute or wish to disinherit your spouse or children.
• Have children from previous relationship or your partner has children from previous relationship/s.
• Have been previously married or have a domestic relationship.  
• Have a history of mental illness that could be questioned in court.  
• You want to include any kind of trust in your will.
• Have complex or unique wishes that might be misunderstood or might not executed properly.
• Think there is a chance that somebody might contest your will in court.  

Conclusion

It is now easier than ever to secure a Will. You can even start the process in the comfort of your own home. It all begins with finding the right provider that suits your budget and needs. So go ahead and take control of your future. Your family will thank you for it.

Still thinking on whether to get a DIY Online Will Kit or seek help from a lawyer? We always recommend consulting an experienced lawyer, but consult our checklist below first to understand if you fall into a bucket of people who are particularly recommended to seek legal advice: