Why Every Adult Needs a Will (Even If You Think You Don't)

There are some jobs in life that nobody looks forward to. Cleaning out the garage. Doing your tax return. Finding that one important document you swore you'd put somewhere safe. Making a will often ends up on the same list.

Many people assume wills are only necessary if you're wealthy, retired, or own multiple properties. The truth is much simpler: if there are people you care about, you should probably have a will.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that sets out what happens to your assets after you die. It can specify who receives your belongings, who receives money or property, who will manage your estate, and who will care for minor children.

Most importantly, it gives the people who love you clear direction at a time when they're already dealing with grief.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

Dying without a valid will is known as dying "intestate." When this happens, Queensland law determines who receives your assets, and this may not reflect your wishes.

In some situations, it can create delays, additional legal costs, family conflict, and uncertainty about who should manage the estate. The people left behind are often forced to navigate a legal process while also trying to process their loss.

"But I Don't Own Much"

This is one of the most common reasons people put off making a will, yet a will isn't only about wealth. It's about clarity.

Even modest estates can create complications if wishes haven't been documented. You may not own multiple investment properties, but you may have a car, savings, personal belongings, superannuation, sentimental items, or children and dependants. These things matter.

Who Should Have a Will?

The short answer? Every adult.

The slightly longer answer? Especially if you have children, own property, are married or in a de facto relationship, have superannuation, own a business, have blended family arrangements, or want specific people to inherit certain items.

Life changes quickly, and a will helps ensure your wishes can keep up with those changes.

Free Wills vs Professionally Prepared Wills

There are now many free will kits and online will services available, and for some people with very straightforward circumstances, these may be suitable.

However, problems can arise when wording is unclear, legal requirements aren't properly followed, family structures are complicated, assets are not addressed correctly, or documents are completed incorrectly. What appears inexpensive today can become very expensive for your family later.

Why Do Solicitor-Prepared Wills Cost More?

Many people are surprised to learn what a professionally prepared will actually costs. For a simple will, prices typically run from around $300 to $600, though more complicated estates involving businesses, trusts or blended families can cost $1,000 to $3,500 or more.

If cost is the main barrier, it's worth knowing Queensland is the exception among the states: the Public Trustee prepares wills at no cost as part of its community service. That's a genuinely good option for straightforward estates, and it means there's no real excuse to keep putting this off.

You're not simply paying for a document. You're paying for legal expertise, risk reduction, correct wording, estate planning advice, and protection against future disputes. Think of it as insurance for the people you'll leave behind.

Common Will Mistakes

Over the years, certain mistakes appear again and again.

Not having a will at all. The most common mistake remains simply never getting around to it.

Forgetting to update it. Marriage, divorce, children, grandchildren, property purchases, and deaths in the family can all affect whether a will still reflects your wishes.

Choosing the wrong executor. An executor should be trustworthy, organised, and willing to take on the responsibility. Not everyone is suited to the role.

Assuming superannuation is covered. Many Australians don't realise that superannuation often sits outside the will. Beneficiary nominations should be reviewed separately and kept current.

Creating ambiguity. The clearer the instructions, the less room there is for misunderstanding and conflict.

The Greatest Gift a Will Can Give

People often think a will is about distributing money, but in many ways, it's actually about reducing uncertainty.

Grief is already difficult enough. A well-prepared will can spare your family from unnecessary confusion, conflict, and stress during one of the hardest periods of their lives. It is one final act of care, one final way of saying: "I've thought about what happens after I'm gone, and I want things to be a little easier for you."

A Closing Thought

None of us know exactly how much time we have. That isn't a gloomy thought, it's simply part of being human.

Making a will won't change when death comes, but it can change what happens for the people you love afterwards. And that may be one of the most meaningful gifts you ever leave behind.