Writing a will isn’t usually at the top of most people’s to-do list. It’s something we tend to associate with older age or “one day down the track”. But the truth is, every adult should have a will, no matter their age or stage of life. Wills aren’t just for those with a house, a family or a complicated estate. They’re about making sure your wishes are known and your loved ones are protected, no matter what the future holds.
Here’s why a will matters more than you might think, and how to know when it’s time for an update.
It’s not just for later life
If you’re over 18 and have any assets (think a bank account, superannuation, a car, or even sentimental belongings), a can give you control over what happens to them. More importantly, it allows you to name someone you trust to take care of things if the unexpected happens.
It’s a powerful way to make sure your voice is heard, even if you’re not around to speak.
Think of it as a basic piece of life admin, like having insurance or keeping your taxes in check. You hope you won’t need it any time soon, but it’s essential to have it ready.
Life changes, your will should too
A will isn’t something you do once and forget about. Life keeps moving, and your will should move with it. There are some key milestones that should prompt a review:
- Marriage: In most Australian states, marriage automatically revokes any existing will. That means if you tie the knot, it’s time to rewrite your will to reflect your new relationship.
- Having children: Becoming a parent is one of the biggest reasons to make or update a will. You can appoint a guardian for your children and ensure their financial future is secure.
- Buying property: Whether it’s your first home or an investment, any significant asset should be accounted for in your will. That way, it’s clear who it goes to if anything happens.
- Separation or divorce: Relationship changes can have a big impact on your legal and financial affairs. Updating your will ensures your former partner doesn’t inherit your estate unintentionally.
- Superannuation: Although superannuation cannot always be dealt with in your Will it is important for people of any age who have superannuation to ensure that their superannuation is paid to desired beneficiaries if the superannuation forms part of the estate.
- Losing a loved one: If someone named in your will passes away, or if your executor is no longer available, it’s time for an update.
Life doesn’t stand still, and your will shouldn’t either.
The risks of leaving it too late
Sadly, many people put off writing a will until it’s too late. When someone passes away without a valid will (known as dying intestate), it can create confusion, stress and sometimes conflict for the people left behind.
Without a will:
- The law decides who inherits your estate, which might not align with your wishes
- There can be delays and complications with the distribution of your assets
- It can place a huge burden on loved ones during an already emotional time
It’s a situation that’s easily avoided, and we’re here to make that process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Making it simple with APS
At APS, we know that thinking about wills can feel overwhelming. That’s why our legal team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing will, we’ll help you understand your options, talk through your wishes and create a legally sound document tailored to your needs.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re just a phone call or email away and are always happy to chat. We provide clear, easy-to-follow advice, online and in-person consultations across Australia, as well as Wills, Powers of Attorney and estate planning all in one place. We take the time to get to know you so that everything is set up exactly the way you want it.
With APS, you also have the option to create an online will. There are no hidden costs, subscriptions or ongoing fees, just a $130 fee for singles and a $195 fee for couples. Unlike many other online will platforms, with APS, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your will has been signed off by a lawyer from our trusted legal team. We’ll let you know if anything needs amending before it is finalised for you.
Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
Creating a will isn’t just a legal task. It’s a gift to the people you care about. It means less uncertainty and stress for your family, and more confidence that your wishes will be honoured.
Whether you’re just starting out in life, building a family, or preparing for retirement, a will is one of the simplest ways to protect your future.
And when you do it with APS, you’re not just ticking a box. You’re working with a trusted team that puts people first and who’ll be here whenever life changes next.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with our legal team to create or update your will with confidence.
Written by APS Wills & Estates Principal Lawyer Phillip Lambourne
Phil is a lawyer with over 35 years of experience in private practice and over 25 years of experience in the trusts and estate planning area. As Principal Lawyer with APS Wills & Estates, Phil provides advice and prepares documentation in the areas of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate Administration for clients across Australia. He also provides clients with conveyancing and property law, commercial law and state tax advice services.
When Phil isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with family, reading new books, and watching new shows with some good scotch whisky, red wine and cheese. Phil also enjoys playing trombone in the Melbourne Lawyers Big Band.