Are online will kits enough in Australia?

Online will kits are cheap and popular — but they aren't right for every estate.

When a kit can work

A simple estate — a house, a few accounts, clear beneficiaries, no business — may be fine with a carefully completed kit, as long as you follow the signing and witnessing rules for your state.

When to use a lawyer

See a succession lawyer if you have a blended family, a business, trusts, assets overseas, or a beneficiary with a disability. These raise issues a template won't catch.

Common mistakes

• Bad witnessing — a beneficiary (or their spouse) acting as witness can void a gift.
• Unclear wording — ambiguous instructions lead to disputes.
• No update — marriage or divorce can revoke a will; review it after life changes.

Bottom line

A kit is a starting point, not a guarantee. Ask the assistant what to consider, then have a lawyer check it if your situation is anything but simple.