⚠️ This guide was researched and updated in May 2026. Laws and regulations change frequently. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with local legal counsel.
Choosing a Will Service in Australia
In Australia you can make a will with a solicitor, a state or territory public trustee, an online will maker or a will kit. Rules vary by state and territory, so this guide compares the routes and links you to local requirements.
Four routes to writing your will
Australian wills must meet the signing and witnessing rules of your state or territory, whichever route you choose. The routes differ mainly in cost and the advice included.
A solicitor
A solicitor can draft a tailored will and advise on state law, tax and complex family or business situations. This route suits larger or complicated estates and usually costs the most.
Highest cost · Tailored legal advice
A public trustee or trustee company
State and territory public trustees, and some private trustee companies, prepare wills, sometimes free or low-cost if they are appointed as executor. Check the fees and executor terms carefully before deciding.
Varies · Often linked to executor role
An online will maker
An online will maker asks structured questions and produces a will you print, sign and witness under your state’s rules. It can suit straightforward estates and typically costs less than a solicitor.
Lower cost · Structured, self-guided
A will kit
A newsagent or post-office will kit is the cheapest route but offers no prompts or checks. Errors in wording or witnessing can invalidate an Australian will, so this route carries the highest risk of errors.
Lowest cost · Highest risk of errors
How to choose the right route for you
There is no single “best” way to write a will. The right route depends on your circumstances. A few questions can help you weigh the options. If your situation is at all complex, it may be worth consulting a qualified professional before you decide.
- How straightforward your estate is. A modest estate with clear wishes needs less than one with business interests, trusts or assets in more than one country.
- Whether you need advice as well as a document. Some routes produce a will only, while others include professional guidance on tax and structure.
- The provider’s credentials: qualifications, regulation, professional-body membership and how complaints are handled.
- Total cost and what it covers. A low headline price may exclude storage, future updates or advice you later need.
- How the will is signed and witnessed. Every route still requires the formal signing and witnessing rules to be followed for the will to be valid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a solicitor to make a will in Australia?
No. An Australian will is valid whichever route you use, provided it meets the signing and witnessing rules of your state or territory. A solicitor may be worth the extra cost for complex estates, business interests or blended families. If in doubt, consider speaking to a qualified professional.
Are public trustee wills free in Australia?
Some state and territory public trustees prepare wills free or at low cost, often where they are appointed as executor, and executor fees can apply later when the estate is administered. Check the fee schedule and executor terms carefully before deciding.
Is an online will valid in Australia?
A will made with an online will maker can be just as valid as one drafted by a solicitor, provided it is printed, signed and witnessed in line with your state or territory’s rules. The difference lies in the level of tailored advice, not the validity of the document.
How much does a will cost in Australia?
Costs vary by state and route: will kits are cheapest, online will makers sit in the middle, and solicitor-drafted wills tend to cost the most. Compare what each price includes, such as storage, updates or advice, before you decide.
Ready to make a start?
Whichever route you choose, the important thing is to have a valid, up-to-date will in place. You can begin online with structured prompts, or find a professional for advice on your own situation.
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