Putting a will in place is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your family and make sure your assets end up where you want them. A properly drafted will spells out exactly how your property, savings and belongings should be handled after you’re gone, so there’s no guesswork left for the people you leave behind. Even so, plenty of Australians put it off for years, mostly because they’re not sure what it costs, which option suits them, or whether they even need a lawyer involved.
Understanding the cost to write a will in Australia in 2026 makes that decision a lot easier. Prices differ quite a bit depending on whether you go with a DIY kit, an online will service, or a solicitor who drafts the document to your exact instructions. A basic will for someone with straightforward assets is usually inexpensive, while a more layered estate plan involving a business, a trust, or a complicated family situation will cost more because it needs more careful drafting.
This guide walks through what drives Will writing costs in Australia, covers solicitor fees, online providers, and public trustee services, and looks at the extra documents that often round out a complete estate plan.
How Much Does a Will Cost in Australia in 2026?
What you’ll pay depends on the type of service you choose and how complicated your financial and family situation is. Most Australians pick between three routes: writing a will themselves using a template, buying an online will package, or engaging a solicitor to draft something tailored to their circumstances.
When people ask ‘How much a will costs to write in Australia?’ they’re usually weighing up price against convenience and legal protection. A basic will costs less because the instructions are simple, whereas anything more involved needs extra planning and paperwork behind it.
The cost to write a will in Australia can vary a lot.
Average Cost of a Simple Will in Australia
The average cost of a simple will in Australia comes down to whether you use an online provider, a printed will kit, or a solicitor. A simple will typically covers the basics: naming beneficiaries, appointing an executor, and setting out how personal assets should be split.
If your finances are uncomplicated, a standard will preparation service is often all you need. That said, even a simple will has to meet Australian legal requirements around signing and witnessing, or it risks being challenged later.
The cost of drafting a standard will is lower than full estate planning because there’s less legal complexity to work through. It’s still worth double checking the document reflects exactly what you want, rather than assuming a template has covered everything.
What Affects the Cost of Making a Will in Australia
A few things push the cost of making a will in Australia up or down. The size and shape of your estate matters most. Someone with a home, some savings and a straightforward family setup might only need a simple document, while others need something a lot more detailed.
Investment properties, a business, shares, superannuation, or assets held overseas all add complexity. Blended families, kids from a previous relationship, or the possibility of a dispute between beneficiaries can also mean more legal advice is needed to get the wording right.
The cost to write a will with complex assets tends to be higher simply because more time goes into getting ownership structures, beneficiary arrangements and future risks properly addressed.
Solicitor Fees for Writing a Will in Australia
Plenty of Australians still go with a solicitor because it gives them confidence the will has been done properly. Solicitor fees for writing a will in Australia vary depending on the firm, where they’re based, and how much detail is involved in your instructions.
Some firms offer a fixed fee for drafting your Will in Australia, so you know the cost upfront before anything gets started. Others bill by the hour, based on how long the drafting and review takes.
A solicitor can also flag things you might not have thought about, like executor responsibilities, family provision claims, or how your estate plan interacts with family law. For anyone with a complicated situation, that advice can save the people you leave behind a lot of grief down the track.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost to Draft a Will?
A basic lawyer drafted will can be a fairly quick process, while a full estate plan takes more consultation and drafting time.
Lawyer fees are usually higher, but you’re paying for legal knowledge and advice specific to your situation, not a generic template.
For anyone with significant assets, a business, or a complicated family arrangement, a professionally drafted will tends to hold up better and gives beneficiaries fewer headaches to sort through.
DIY Will Kits and Online Wills in Australia
DIY will kits and online will services have picked up a lot of interest from Australians after a cheaper option. These let you build a basic will yourself using a template and some guided prompts.
Cheap online wills in Australia can work well for people with simple circumstances who understand what’s required. It’s worth being honest with yourself about whether a generic template actually fits your situation before you commit to one.
A common question is whether a DIY will kit is valid in Australia. It can be, as long as it meets the legal requirements around signing and witnessing. The catch is that vague wording or a missed step can create real problems when the estate is being administered.
Cost of DIY Will Kits in Australia
A DIY will kit from Australia Post or a similar provider varies in price depending on what’s included. Some people go for a will kit from a newsagent because it’s cheap and gets the job started quickly.
These options can suit a straightforward estate, but they don’t offer much guidance if your assets or inheritance wishes are more particular than the template assumes.
Before going down the DIY path, think about whether your circumstances actually call for personalised legal advice rather than a one-size-fits-all form.
Cost of Online Will Services in Australia
Online will services let Australians prepare legal documents from home, which suits a lot of people’s schedules. The online will subscription cost in Australia, or the one-off fee some providers charge, depends on what features and support come with it.
Some services throw in extras like document storage or ongoing updates. For someone who just needs a basic will and wants a convenient process, that can be a solid option.
If your financial situation is more layered, it’s worth weighing up whether an online service gives you enough protection compared with sitting down with a solicitor.
Cost of a Will for Couples in Australia
Many couples prepare their wills together so their wishes line up and their partner is looked after. The cost of a will for couples in Australia depends on whether they need simple mirror wills or something with more moving parts.
Mirror wills cost in Australia can vary between providers, but they’re a common choice for couples who want near-identical instructions about how assets should be divided. They tend to work well when circumstances are straightforward.
Couples with children from an earlier relationship, larger asset pools, or more complicated finances usually benefit from proper advice to make sure their wishes are protected the way they intend.
Testamentary Trust Will Cost in Australia
A testamentary trust wil, lets your assets be managed through a trust after you pass away, rather than being handed over outright. The cost of the testamentary trust, sits above a standard will because it takes more detailed planning to set up properly.
This structure suits Australians who want more control over how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance. It’s often chosen by people with substantial assets, young children, a business, or concerns about protecting assets from creditors or relationship breakdowns.
An estate planning solicitor can help you work out whether a testamentary trust actually makes sense for your situation, rather than adding complexity you don’t need.
Additional Estate Planning Costs in Australia
A full estate plan usually involves more than just the will itself. Most Australians also look at documents that cover financial and personal decisions while they’re still alive, but no longer able to make those calls themselves.
The cost of an enduring power of attorney in Australia depends on the provider and whether it’s prepared alongside your other estate planning documents. This one lets you appoint someone you trust to manage your finances if you’re not in a position to do it yourself.
The cost of an advance health directive in Australia also shifts between states and providers. It lets you set out your healthcare preferences ahead of time, so your family isn’t left guessing. The government-run Moneysmart website has a straightforward rundown of wills, powers of attorney and estate planning basics if you want a plain-English starting point before speaking with a solicitor.
Cost of Updating an Existing Will in Australia
A will is not a set-and-forget document. Marriage, divorce, having kids, buying property, or any real shift in your finances or relationships are all good reasons to review it.
The cost to update an existing will in Australia depends on whether you need a minor tweak or a full rewrite. Some people use a codicil, which is a formal amendment attached to the existing will rather than a whole new document.
Codicil cost in Australia varies with how complicated the changes are. Reviewing your will every few years, or after any major life event, keeps it lined up with what you actually want.
Estate Planning Costs Across Australian States
Prices for preparing a will shift a bit between states and territories, mostly because of differences in local providers and fee structures. People often search for the cost of drafting a will in NSW, the cost of making a will in Victoria, or how much a will costs in Queensland when they’re comparing options.
Pricing aside, the more important thing is picking a provider who actually knows Australian succession law and has a track record with estate planning, rather than just going with whoever is cheapest in your state.
Getting that choice right makes the whole process smoother and gives you a document that actually suits your needs.
Public Trustee Will Fees in Australia
Every state and territory has a Public Trustee that offers will preparation and estate administration services. Some Australians qualify for reduced-cost or free wills through these services depending on their circumstances.
Public trustee will fees in Australia differ from state to state, so it’s worth checking the specific conditions where you live rather than assuming they’re the same everywhere.
Free public trustee will conditions in Australia often apply to pensioners or people who meet particular eligibility criteria, so it’s worth a phone call to your state’s Public Trustee to check if you qualify.
Solicitor vs Online Will Cost in Australia
When you’re weighing up solicitor vs online will cost in Australia, price is only half the picture. Online services are usually cheaper upfront, while a solicitor gives you tailored advice and a second set of eyes on anything unusual in your situation.
A cheaper option can work fine for someone with a simple estate. Professional advice tends to earn its keep once assets, family circumstances or business interests get more complicated.
Knowing where convenience, cost and legal protection trade off against each other helps you land on the option that actually fits, rather than the one that just looks cheapest on the surface.
Choosing Affordable Estate Planning Services in Australia
Affordable doesn’t have to mean the cheapest option on the page. A decent service should give you clear information, upfront pricing, and support that actually matches your circumstances.
Look at the provider’s experience, their qualifications, what’s actually included in the fee, and whether they understand the estate planning rules that apply where you live.
A reliable provider will help you put together a legally sound will without turning the process into something stressful or confusing.
Leaving a Gift to Charity in Your Will
Once the basics of your will are sorted, plenty of Australians choose to leave a gift to a cause that matters to them, alongside providing for family. It’s a way of extending your support beyond your lifetime, and it’s usually a simple addition for your solicitor to draft alongside everything else.
Mercy Ships runs a hospital ship providing free surgery to people in West Africa who otherwise have no access to safe surgical care, and many supporters choose to include a bequest to the organisation in their will. If that’s something you’re considering, Mercy Ships Australia’s guide to leaving a charitable bequest walks through how the process works and what wording is typically used.
It’s also worth checking with your solicitor whether a bequest changes anything about how your estate is taxed. Mercy Ships Australia’s overview of charity tax deductions for Australian donors explains how deductibility generally works, though a bequest made through a will is treated a little differently to a lifetime donation, so it’s worth confirming the detail with your solicitor. The Australian Taxation Office’s guide to gifts and donations is the official reference for how deductibility works more broadly.
If you’d rather support a cause during your lifetime as well as through your will, Mercy Ships Australia’s guide to effective ways to donate to charity and its broader piece on ethical giving in Australia are worth a read alongside your estate planning.
The Importance of Making a Legally Valid Will in Australia
The whole point of a will is to make sure your wishes are followed and your family isn’t left in limbo. A legally valid will in Australia gives clear direction on how assets should be split and takes a lot of uncertainty out of an already difficult time for the people you leave behind.
Without one, your estate gets handled under intestacy laws, which follow a fixed formula that might not match what you actually wanted.
Getting a will sorted properly now, even if your situation seems simple, saves your family a lot of stress and gives you more say over what happens to what you’ve built.
How Much Does Probate Legal Advice Cost in Australia?
After someone dies, the estate often needs to go through probate, which confirms the will is valid and gives the executor legal authority to act.
The cost of probate legal advice depends on how complicated the estate is and how much help the executor needs. Some estates move through fairly easily, while others involve disputes, unusual assets, or extra legal steps.
Getting advice early helps executors understand what they’re responsible for and keeps the estate administration process from dragging on longer than it needs to.
Final Thoughts …
What you’ll pay to write a will in Australia comes down to a handful of things: the type of will you need, how complicated your circumstances are, and which preparation method you choose. DIY kits, online services and solicitor-drafted wills all have a place, depending on what suits your situation.
Cost matters, but a will is also one of the more important legal documents you’ll ever sign. Taking the time to compare your options properly, and choosing a level of support that matches your circumstances, gives your family clarity and your estate the protection it needs.
FAQs
How much does a simple will cost in Australia in 2026?
A simple will prepared by an Australian solicitor typically costs between $300 and $700 for an individual. Prices vary across states and depending on whether the legal practice charges a fixed fee or an hourly rate.
What is the average cost of a mirror will for couples?
Mirror wills for couples, where both partners draft largely identical instructions, generally range from $500 to $1,200 total when prepared by a legal practitioner.
How much does a DIY will kit cost in Australia Post or newsagents?
Physical paper DIY will kits bought from newsagents or Australia Post outlets typically cost between $30 and $50.
Are online will platforms in Australia cheaper than solicitors?
Yes, online will platforms generally charge between $40 and $200 for a single document, providing a guided digital process at a fraction of standard legal firm costs. Some online will platforms offer a Free Wills week during September.
How much does a complex testamentary trust will cost?
A testamentary trust will, designed for complex estates, asset protection, or blended families, usually costs between $1,500 and $3,500+ when drafted by a specialist estate planning solicitor.
Can pensioners get a free will in Australia?
Pensioners and concession card holders may qualify for a free or heavily discounted will through state-based Public Trustees, provided certain conditions are met, such as appointing the Public Trustee as executor.
What are the hidden costs of using the Public Trustee to draft a will?
While the upfront fee to draft a will with a Public Trustee is often low or free, they generally charge significant commission fees against the estate’s total value to administer it after death.
How much does an estate planning lawyer charge per hour in Australia?
Australian estate planning lawyers typically charge hourly rates ranging from $250 to $650 per hour, depending on their seniority, firm size, and geographic location.
Why do solicitor fees for drafting a will vary between states?
Legal fees vary due to state-specific succession laws, local overhead costs in capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne compared to regional areas, and the operational model of individual law firms.
Is a $30 DIY will kit legally binding under Australian law?
Yes, a DIY will kit is legally valid provided the testator has sound mental capacity, signs the document willingly, and has it properly witnessed by two independent adults present at the same time.
How much does it cost to update or add a codicil to an existing will?
Making minor updates via a formal codicil usually costs between $150 and $300, whereas comprehensive changes may require a fresh will at standard drafting rates.
How much does an Enduring Power of Attorney cost when bundled with a will?
When bundled with a solicitor-drafted will, an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) usually adds an extra $150 to $400 to the total estate planning fee.
Are legal fees for making a personal will tax deductible in Australia?
No, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) considers the cost of preparing a personal last will and testament to be a private capital expense, making it non-deductible for individuals.
What makes a complex estate push up the price of a will?
Factors such as managing business entities, family trusts, self-managed super funds (SMSFs), blended family structures, or overseas assets require specialized legal structuring that increases drafting fees.
How much does an Advance Health Directive cost alongside a will?
An Advance Health Directive (or Advance Care Directive) prepared by a legal professional typically costs between $100 and $300 as an add-on service.
Can you make a legally valid will for free in Australia?
Free options exist through online promotional trials, Community Legal Centre schemes for low-income earners, or specialized charity community wills days.
How much does it cost to store a completed will securely?
Many law firms store original wills free of charge for their clients, while official state registries or trustee services may charge a minor one-off deposit fee or offer free registration.
What is the cost of a joint will compared to individual wills?
Joint wills are rarely used in modern Australian law; instead, solicitors recommend separate mirror wills for couples, which typically cost between $500 and $1,200 for both documents.
Why are lawyer-drafted wills more expensive than online will tools?
Solicitor fees cover tailored legal advice, assessment of testamentary capacity, strategies to minimize estate disputes, and tailored provisions for complex assets that standardized automated templates cannot address.
How much does a lawyer charge to review a self-written DIY will?
Having an estate planning solicitor review and validate a completed DIY or online will usually incurs a fixed fee between $150 and $350.
Does superannuation get included in the standard cost of writing a will?
Superannuation does not automatically form part of an estate; addressing super benefits properly requires drafting a Binding Death Benefit Nomination (BDBN), which a lawyer may include in a standard package or add for a small fee.
What happens to estate costs if a person dies without a valid will in Australia?
Dying intestate (without a valid will) often results in significant legal expenses, court filing fees, and administrative delays for surviving relatives to obtain Letters of Administration.
Are fixed-fee estate planning packages better than hourly rate billing?
Fixed-fee packages offer price certainty upfront for standard estate planning documents, avoiding unexpected legal fees associated with open-ended hourly billing models.
How much does executor appointment advice cost during estate drafting?
Basic advice on selecting an executor is included in standard drafting fees, though formal executor consent or legal corporate executor appointments incur separate administrative structure fees.
Is it cheaper to make a new will entirely or modify an old one?
Solicitors often charge roughly the same amount to draft a brand-new, clean document as they do to review and re-draft an outdated will through complex legal amendments.
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