For many Australians, creating a will feels like a task meant for “future me.” Life gets busy, finances change, and thinking about mortality isn’t exactly fun. Yet having a clear, legally valid will is one of the most important steps anyone can take to protect loved ones, prevent disputes, and ensure wishes are carried out smoothly.
The challenge? Australians now have two very different ways to create a legally binding will: traditional lawyer-drafted wills and online wills created through digital estate planning platforms. Both options serve important purposes, but each suits different lifestyles, financial situations, and family structures.
With technology reshaping almost every corner of modern life—from banking and shopping to medical appointments and tax returns—estate planning is evolving too. Online wills are no longer a niche concept; they’re becoming a mainstream, practical alternative. So how do you know which approach is right for you?
This article breaks down the differences, benefits, limitations, and decision-making factors to help you confidently choose the estate planning path that fits your life—not someone else’s.
What Exactly Is an Online Will?
An online will is a legally recognised document created through a digital platform rather than through a solicitor or law firm. These platforms guide users through a structured questionnaire about:
- Beneficiaries
- Executors
- Asset distribution
- Guardianship for children
- Specific gifts and instructions
- Funeral preferences
Once completed, users download, print, sign, and have the will witnessed—just as required under Australian succession laws.
Online will platforms are typically built and reviewed by legal professionals but are designed for everyday users without legal knowledge. Their goal isn’t to replace lawyers completely—it’s to give more Australians a simple, affordable, and accessible starting point.
How Online Wills Work in Real Life
The process usually looks like this:
- Create an account on a trusted online will platform
- Answer guided questions about assets, wishes, and beneficiaries
- Review automatically generated legal wording
- Print the final document
- Sign it with two eligible adult witnesses
- Store the original copy safely and update as needed
Some platforms also offer:
- Secure digital storage
- Reminders to review or modify the document
- Legal support upgrades
- Kits for executor guidance
The entire process can often be completed in less than an hour, from the comfort of home—no legal dictionary required.
Benefits of Online Estate Planning
Online wills are gaining traction because they solve long-standing barriers that prevent people from taking action.
✅ Convenience
No appointments, scheduling conflicts, or travel time—just log in when ready.
✅ Affordability
Online wills are significantly cheaper than lawyer-drafted options, making them ideal for individuals and families on a budget.
✅ Accessibility
Australians in rural or remote areas can finally access reliable estate planning services.
✅ Speed
Instead of weeks of correspondence and revisions, an online will can be completed in one sitting.
✅ Confidence Through Guidance
Platforms provide clear explanations, examples, and prompts to help users think through decisions.
For many Australians, these benefits remove the fear and procrastination associated with traditional estate planning.
Legal Validity and Security—Do Online Wills Hold Up?
Yes—online wills are legally valid in Australia if they meet legal requirements, including:
- The will is printed
- The testator signs voluntarily
- Two eligible witnesses sign in the testator’s presence
- The testator has mental capacity and intention
While digital-only signatures are allowed in limited cases depending on the state, printing and signing remain the safest standard form of execution.
Security Considerations
Trusted online will platforms typically use:
- Encrypted data protection
- Secure servers hosted in Australia
- Restricted data access
- Privacy compliance policies
Still, users should:
- Use reputable providers
- Avoid sharing login details
- Store printed copies securely
In other words, an online will can be both safe and legally enforceable—when created properly.
What About Lawyer-Drafted Wills?
A traditional will is prepared through consultations with an estate planning lawyer or solicitor. This option offers personalised legal advice tailored to individual circumstances.
Lawyer-drafted wills are ideal for people with:
- Blended families
- High-value assets or investments
- Businesses or trusts
- Overseas property
- Anticipated inheritance disputes
- Complex distribution wishes
- Children with long-term care needs
Lawyers can also provide tax planning, estate structuring, and legal wording designed to prevent challenges after death.
The trade-off? Cost and time. Lawyer-drafted wills often require meetings, document revisions, and higher professional fees—but for complicated estates, they’re worth it.
Online Will vs. Lawyer—Which One Fits Your Life?
The best choice depends on your personal situation, not what’s trending.
✅ Online Will May Suit You If:
- Your estate is simple
- You’re single, partnered, or married with uncomplicated assets
- You want an affordable starting point
- You need something fast and stress-free
- You feel confident making decisions independently
✅ Lawyer-Drafted Will May Suit You If:
- You own multiple properties or businesses
- Estate disputes are likely
- You have a blended family or stepchildren
- You need advanced estate planning or trusts
- You want personalised legal guidance
- Your estate has international components
Many Australians actually start with an online will and later transition to a lawyer as life becomes more complex—both options can coexist in a lifelong estate planning journey.
How Online Wills Support Today’s Modern Families
Estate planning must evolve alongside society, and online wills reflect how people live today:
- Families are blended, separated, or co-parenting
- People relocate frequently for work and lifestyle
- Digital assets—photos, crypto, subscriptions—now matter
- Younger Australians want financial responsibility earlier
- Convenience is a non-negotiable priority
- Technology drives decision-making
Online will platforms offer flexibility, allowing users to easily update their will after major life changes—marriage, divorce, childbirth, home purchase, or inheritance—without booking an appointment or paying revision fees.
That adaptability makes online wills practical for ongoing life stages, not just end-of-life planning.
The Future of Estate Planning in Australia
Digital estate planning is only just beginning. Over the next decade, we can expect:
- Increased acceptance of fully digital wills
- Streamlined probate processes using online records
- Digital estate administration tools for executors
- Integrated financial and estate planning platforms
- Secure blockchain-based document storage
- Wider public education and adoption
The legal system will continue adapting to reflect technological capability and public demand. The future of estate planning won’t eliminate lawyers—it will provide more tailored, accessible pathways for Australians from all backgrounds.
How to Decide—A Practical Starting Point
If you’re unsure which option suits you, consider these guiding questions:
- Are your finances simple or layered?
- Could anyone contest your wishes?
- Do you own international or business assets?
- Do you feel comfortable making legal decisions independently?
- How quickly do you need the will completed?
- What is your estate planning budget?
If your answers lean toward simplicity, affordability, and convenience—an online will may be a great fit. If complexity, legal risk, or uncertainty are present, speaking to a solicitor is wise.
Remember, the worst option is no will at all.
Final Thoughts: The Right Will Is the One You Actually Complete
Estate planning isn’t about preparing for death—it’s about protecting life, love, and legacy. Whether you choose an online will or a lawyer-drafted will, taking action offers clarity, security, and reassurance for the people who matter most.
Online wills have made the process less intimidating and more accessible, while traditional legal services remain essential for complex estates. There is no universal “best choice”—just the choice that reflects your circumstances.
So instead of waiting for the “perfect time,” start exploring your options today. Peace of mind doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be intentional.
FAQS
The biggest difference lies in complexity and personalisation. Online wills follow structured templates suitable for straightforward estates, while lawyer-drafted wills offer tailored legal advice for complex family, financial, or asset situations. Both can be legally valid, but the right choice depends on your circumstances, needs, and long-term planning goals.
Yes—online wills are legally valid across Australia once printed, signed, and witnessed according to state succession laws. However, digital-only wills without physical signatures may not be accepted everywhere yet. To ensure enforceability, users should follow platform instructions and store the original signed document safely for executors to access.
Online wills may not be ideal if you have a blended family, own international assets, run a business, expect disputes, or require complex trusts or tax planning. In these situations, legal advice protects against loopholes, challenges, and unintended outcomes. A solicitor can provide customised guidance to help safeguard your estate.
Yes—one of the major advantages of online wills is flexibility. Most platforms allow edits or complete rewrites whenever life changes, such as marriage, divorce, parenthood, or purchasing property. Updates are usually fast, affordable, and accessible, helping ensure your will remains accurate and relevant over time.
Not always. Many Australians begin with an online will because it’s fast and affordable, then consult a lawyer later if their estate becomes more complex. Starting online doesn’t limit future legal options—it simply gives you a foundation and peace of mind sooner rather than later.