This site provides clear, plain-English explanations of wills, estate planning, and common family situations.
This site exists to help people understand estate planning before speaking to a professional or making decisions.
It does not provide legal advice and does not replace professional guidance.
The material on this site is organised into a small number of reference sections. Each is designed to explain estate-planning topics clearly and without assumptions.
Plain-English explanations of common estate-planning topics, including wills, executors, guardianship, blended families, and digital assets.
Clear definitions of estate-planning terms, written for people without legal training.
Straightforward answers to questions people often ask when thinking about wills and estate planning.
Examples based on real-world situations that show how estate-planning issues can arise in families.
Simple tools and summaries that some readers use to organise information before speaking with a professional.
Step-by-step lists covering common estate-planning considerations.
Short overviews of frequently misunderstood topics.
Explanations and guidance on how POA works and when it is relevant.
How to start important conversations with family about wills and estate planning.
Approximately two-thirds of Australian adults either have no will, or have one that may be outdated or incomplete. Based on: 55-60% without any will (NSW Trustee 2023, Finder 2023) plus 25% of existing wills not current (Maurice Blackburn 2019)
Disputes arising from unclear or outdated estate plans are a common source of family conflict, with contested matters often involving significant legal costs.
Reported figures commonly exceed $30,000. Sources: State courts, legal research.
Even when a will exists, it may be incomplete or no longer reflect current circumstances, increasing the likelihood of disputes.
Studies suggest many disputes could have been reduced through clearer planning.
"Fourteen years after their mother died, the estate was still unadministered."
— Five Siblings, One ExecutorWhen homemade wills were discovered years after their parents died, one brother became executor of both estates. What followed was more than a decade of delays, disputes, and a court battle that tore the family apart.
Read the full story →Common considerations in estate planning
Your will should be reviewed whenever your life changes significantly:
Common considerations when preparing a will:
Your super is often your biggest asset — but it's not automatically covered by your will. You need to:
Content reviewed and updated regularly. Written in plain English for Australian readers.
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