Your Personal Details
Full legal name (as it appears on official documents) Previous names (maiden name, former married names) Your Family Situation
Current marital status (single/married/de facto/divorced/widowed) Spouse or partner's full legal name Children's full names and dates of birth Stepchildren you wish to include Grandchildren (if leaving anything directly to them) Any dependants who rely on you financially Any family members with special needs or disabilities Any family members you're specifically excluding (and your reasons) Your Assets
Completed Asset Inventory Checklist (or equivalent list) How property is owned (sole name, joint tenants, tenants in common) Superannuation fund details and current nominations Any assets held in trusts Business ownership details Your Beneficiaries
People or organisations who will receive something:
Full legal names of all intended beneficiaries Current contact details or addresses Charities — correct legal name and ABN if known What each beneficiary should receive (specific items or percentage of estate) Backup beneficiaries if your first choice can't inherit Your Executor
The person who will administer your estate:
Who do you want as executor? Full legal name and contact details Have you asked them if they're willing? Backup executor if first choice can't act Professional executor (solicitor/trustee company) if preferred Guardians for Children
If you have children under 18:
Who should raise your children if both parents die? Full legal name and contact details Have you discussed this with them? Backup guardian if first choice can't act Does the other parent agree with your choice? Specific Gifts
Particular items going to particular people:
List of specific items and who receives each Items with sentimental value — who gets what Pets — who will care for them Special Instructions
Any conditions on gifts (e.g., age beneficiary must reach) Funeral wishes (burial/cremation, service preferences) Any existing will that needs to be revoked Documents to Have Handy
Property titles or mortgage statements Superannuation statements Any existing will, codicil, or estate planning documents Pre-nuptial or financial agreements Divorce or separation documents Questions to Resolve Before Starting
Who gets the house? (If leaving to multiple people, will they need to sell?) Equal or unequal shares between children? What happens if a beneficiary dies before you? Do you want to leave anything to charity? Does your super go through your will or direct to a nominee? What's Next?
With this information gathered, you're ready to create your will.
This checklist is for preparation purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.
