Preparing to write your Will

Some tips to make the process easier

Making a Will and keeping it up-to-date is very important - it will ensure that your wishes are reflected and avoid any unnecessary burden on your loved ones.

Below is a list of suggestions to help you prepare:

Your Personal Details

Make a list of all your personal details, for example: date of birth; birth place; religion; spouse name; marriage date; children’s names/ addresses/ tax file number; Social Security Pension Number and Veterans Affairs Number.

Your Contact Details

Make a list of all your important contacts stating their names, address and phone numbers/ email, membership numbers etc, for example:
Executor of your Will
Next of Kin
People to be notified of your death
Your doctor
Your solicitor
Your accountant
Your superannuation
Life Insurance policy
Your financial adviser
Your bank & account details

Assess your estate

Make a detailed list of all your significant possessions, for example: your house; jewellery; superannuation; vehicles; insurance, and other items of value.

Decide who you would like to benefit

You can choose to share your estate between anyone you like - your spouse, family or friends. You could also leave a legacy to a charity or good cause, such as the Wilderness Society, after your family and friends have all been properly provided for.

Your Liabilities

Your liabilities don’t have to be listed on your Will, but it is a good idea to write them down, for example mortgages, loans on real estate, bank/ other institutional loans, personal/private, loans, credit card liabilities and money owed on private/ individuals or to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Decide what sort of gift to leave

You can leave any kind of gift - a share of your estate (residuary), an amount of money (pecuniary) or specific items. Find out more about some of the different types of legacies.

Choose your executors

You should now select between one and four people who will be able and willing to ensure your wishes within your Will are carried out. You can choose your bank, your solicitor, or willing friends or relatives.

In the absence of other suitable executors, unfortunately the Wilderness Society cannot act as an executor for your estate and we would recommend you get in touch with your local Public Trustee who will be able to help.

Arrange to see your solicitor to make your Will

This shouldn't take long - but it's important to involve a legal professional to draw it up for you. If all the legal formalities are not correctly followed, your Will could be declared invalid and your wishes may not be carried out.  The costs of seeing a solicitor varies depending on who you see, however it is a small price to pay for the reassurance that your wishes will be carried out. 

Your Personal Requirements

Make note of your funeral arrangements, whether you would like to be buried or cremated, and any other specific requests.

If you would prefer donations to your favourite charities rather than floral tributes at your own funeral, it is a good idea to state this preference in your Will so that your executor can ensure your wishes are carried out. See our Donate In Memory page for more information.

Keep your Will up-to-date

You can update your Will at any time to reflect changes in your circumstances such as the sale of your house, birth of a new family member or a change in relationships  (such as marriage or divorce or the death of friends or loved ones). Your solicitor can advise you on the best way to change your Will.  By adding a codicil, a document that amends, rather than replaces a previously executed Will, you are spared the trouble and expense of having to rewrite your existing Will.

Keep in a safe place

Keep all these personal papers stored with your Will.  Store your Will in a safe place and let your executor know where it is stored. You can lodge it with a Bank in a “safe custody envelope” or with a solicitor or Trustee Company. You may want to send a copy to major beneficiaries, family members and your executor.