Your comprehensive free guide to writing a Will: Protect your legacy
Expert guidance and easy-to-follow steps to safeguard your loved ones.
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With the right professional advice, making a will is easier than most realise. Yet remarkably, 53% of Australians still lack this vital document. Without it, they are potentially leaving loved ones to face significant stress and complications during an already challenging time.
State Trustees has prepared a free Will Writing guide to make the process as streamlined and simple as possible. So, if you’re a Victorian over the age of 18, we encourage you to download this invaluable resource. Whether you plan to use our experienced Will Writing professionals or prefer our convenient DIY online wills service, this guide will help you get off to the best start.
If protecting family assets and loved ones is important to you, download our free will writing guide or continue reading for more information.
Why Will preparation and writing matters
When people die without a legal will, they die ‘intestate’ and governing rules decide who will become beneficiaries. In most instances, your legal partner and children will become beneficiaries. However, assuming you live in Victoria, our state laws determine how to manage and distribute your assets if you don’t have a partner or dependents. These decisions might not reflect what you really wish to happen.Â
Another compelling reason estate planning is so essential is it reduces family challenges. Without your wishes being documented clearly, disagreements between family members can-and do-arise.
Step-by-step will writing process
- Listing your assets
- Choosing your beneficiaries
- Gifting
- Appointing a guardian if required
- Appointing a carer for your pets
- Appointing an executor (also covers executor responsibilities)
When to update your will
It is important to update your will whenever you undergo a big life change, such as buying or selling property, starting or ending a relationship or having children. Even without big changes, we recommend you make periodic reviews of your legal documents like wills, Powers of Attorney and trusts every five years or when your circumstances change, just to ensure you’re still content with the details. Â
State Trustees has written over 250,000 legal wills for Victorians. We hope this guide provides some helpful Will Writing tips and leads you to better understand the need for will and deceased estate management. If you’d like to speak to us about taking care of your Will Writing, contact our team 1300 138 672 or via the button below. Â
Client feedback
If I download this guide, do I have to use the State Trustees will writing service?
No, this is a free downloadable guide available to all Victorians. There is no obligation to use State Trustees’s Will Writing services just because you have used this guide.
What do I do if I read this guide and decide I want to use State Trustees services?Â
Our professionals are here to assist you. Just contact us on 1300 138 672 to arrange an appointment either virtually or in-person. Â
Download your free Will preparation guide
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What you’ll learn from our downloadable will writing guide
What happens without a will
6 key steps to preparing a will
