Introduction: Making Estate Planning Simple and Accessible
Writing a will may not be the most exciting task, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected. Thankfully, with technology evolving rapidly, creating a will online has never been easier.
In 2025, online wills are becoming the go-to option for Australians (and people worldwide) who want a simple, affordable, and legally valid way to handle their digital estate planning. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing document, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating an online will, what to watch out for, and how to choose the right service.
What Is an Online Will and Why It Matters
An online will is a legally binding document created using an online will service or digital platform. Instead of hiring a lawyer in person, you fill in a guided questionnaire online that helps you create a customised will tailored to your assets and wishes.
Here’s why creating an online will is becoming so popular:
- Affordability: Online wills are far cheaper than traditional legal services.
- Convenience: You can complete one from home — no office visits or lengthy paperwork.
- Simplicity: Modern online platforms guide you step-by-step, so you don’t need legal expertise.
- Accessibility: You can easily update or store your digital will securely at any time.
Even if your estate is relatively straightforward, having a valid will ensures your loved ones won’t face unnecessary legal complications after your passing.
Step 1: Gather Essential Information
Before you jump into an online will maker, gather the key details you’ll need. This preparation makes the process smoother and ensures your will is accurate and complete.
You’ll need:
- Full legal name, address, and date of birth.
- List of assets (bank accounts, property, investments, vehicles, digital assets).
- Debts or outstanding loans.
- Beneficiaries (people or charities who will receive your assets).
- Executor (the person who ensures your wishes are carried out).
- Guardianship details (if you have minor children or dependents).
Having this information ready will make your DIY online will faster and more straightforward.
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Step 2: Choose a Reliable Online Will Service
Not all online will services are created equal. Look for a platform that offers:
- Legally compliant templates specific to your country or state.
- Easy-to-follow instructions for first-time users.
- Secure data protection and cloud storage.
- Option to update or amend your will later.
- Customer support or access to legal review, if needed.
Some of the best online wills in 2025 offer hybrid options — you start online, and a licensed lawyer reviews your will before finalisation. This ensures both convenience and peace of mind.
Pro tip: Always read reviews and check if the service complies with your local estate laws before committing.
Step 3: Draft Your Will Online
Once you’ve chosen your provider, you’ll be guided through a series of simple questions about your estate and wishes. Most platforms will automatically format your responses into a legally recognised document.
Here’s what you’ll typically include:
- Your details – identifying information and date of the will.
- Executor’s details – the person responsible for managing your estate.
- Beneficiaries – who gets what and in what proportion.
- Specific gifts – such as jewellery, property, or family heirlooms.
- Guardianship clauses – if you have children under 18.
- Final wishes – funeral arrangements, pet care, or digital accounts.
Take your time to review everything carefully. Accuracy matters, as even minor errors can create confusion later.
Step 4: Ensure Legal Validity
A will isn’t valid just because it’s written online — it must meet your jurisdiction’s legal requirements.
In Australia (and most countries), this means:
- The will must be signed by you in the presence of two witnesses (who aren’t beneficiaries).
- Both witnesses must also sign the will.
- The will should clearly state it’s your “last will and testament.”
- Electronic signatures may be acceptable depending on your state’s digital laws.
Always check your local regulations or seek brief legal advice to confirm that your online will meets these requirements.
Step 5: Store Your Will Safely
Once signed, store your digital will securely. Most online services provide cloud storage or encrypted digital vaults. You can also:
- Keep a hard copy in a safe place.
- Give a copy to your executor or lawyer.
- Inform a trusted family member where your will is stored.
Security is key — ensure only authorised people know how to access your will when needed.
Step 6: Review and Update Regularly
Life changes — marriages, births, new homes, or even digital assets (like crypto or online businesses). Your online will should reflect these changes.
It’s wise to review your will every 1–2 years or after major life events. Most online will platforms allow quick edits or updates, so you can make changes anytime without starting from scratch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with easy-to-use platforms, mistakes can still happen. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Not signing the will properly.
- Using beneficiaries as witnesses.
- Forgetting digital assets (emails, social media, cryptocurrency).
- Being too vague with asset descriptions.
- Failing to update your will after major life events.
A little attention to detail now can save your loved ones stress later.
Why an Online Will Is Perfect for Modern Living
In a world where everything from banking to medical records has gone digital, digital estate planning is simply the next step forward.
Modern online wills are secure, efficient, and affordable — a far cry from the expensive, paper-heavy process of the past. For anyone with a straightforward estate, they offer an excellent balance between legal protection and convenience.
If your estate is complex (trusts, business ownership, or multiple properties), consider getting a lawyer-reviewed will online for added assurance.
Conclusion: Your Legacy, Simplified
Creating an online will is one of the most empowering steps you can take for your family’s future. It ensures your assets are distributed exactly as you wish — without the confusion, cost, or stress of traditional legal processes.
With the right online will service, a bit of preparation, and attention to detail, your DIY online will can be completed in under an hour — giving you peace of mind that your loved ones are protected, and your legacy is secure.
It’s never too early to plan ahead. Start your digital estate planning journey today and take control of your tomorrow.
Yes, online wills are legally valid as long as they meet your jurisdiction’s signing and witnessing requirements. In most places, this includes signing your will in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign the document. Always verify your local estate laws.
Most people can complete their online will in under an hour. The time depends on how complex your assets are and how prepared you are with information. Simple estates may take just 20–30 minutes with guided online will templates.
Reputable online will services use advanced encryption and cloud storage to protect your personal data. Many also allow you to securely share your will with trusted family members or executors for added safety and accessibility.
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of online wills is flexibility. You can easily edit or update your will if your circumstances change — such as marriage, property purchase, or having children — without paying extra legal fees.