How Much Does a Will Cost in Australia in 2026?

A will can cost $0 (community legal centre for eligible people) to $8,000+ for a complex testamentary trust will. Online platforms have democratised simple will preparation — but for most Australians with meaningful assets, professional legal advice remains worth the cost. Here's the full breakdown.

Will Costs by Service Type — 2026

Online Wills — Are They Legally Valid?

Yes — wills prepared through platforms like Safewill, Willed, and Gathered Here are legally valid in Australia if properly executed (signed and witnessed). Online platforms guide you through a questionnaire and produce a legally drafted will document you print, sign, and have witnessed. The critical requirement: signing must be done in front of two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries or their spouses.

When online is sufficient: simple, blended family situation, no business interests, straightforward beneficiary wishes, estate under $500,000.

When you need a solicitor: blended family (children from previous relationships), significant assets, business interests, SMSF, property in multiple jurisdictions, concern about challenges from excluded relatives, or complexity in your wishes.

Enduring Power of Attorney — Costs

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) authorises someone to make financial and legal decisions if you lose capacity. It's arguably more important than a will — a will operates after death, but an EPOA is needed if you're incapacitated but alive.

Testamentary Trust Wills — Worth the Extra Cost?

A testamentary trust will creates a trust that comes into existence when you die. Benefits: asset protection for beneficiaries (protected from bankruptcy and relationship breakdowns), significant tax advantages (minor children can be taxed at adult rates on trust income, potentially saving $5,000–$20,000/year in tax), and protection for vulnerable beneficiaries.

For estates above $500,000, the ongoing tax savings from a testamentary trust can far exceed the additional preparation cost ($2,000–$5,000 more than a standard will) within 1–2 years. Strongly recommended for most middle- and high-wealth Australians.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will (Intestacy)?

Each state has intestacy laws that determine who gets what. In Queensland, for a married person with children, the surviving spouse receives: all personal items, first $150,000 of estate, and one-third of the remainder. The children share two-thirds. De facto partners generally have similar rights. Unmarried siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends receive nothing, regardless of your relationship.

Problems with intestacy: no control over who gets what, potential family conflict, more expensive and slower estate administration, and your specific wishes (favourite charities, particular items for certain people) are completely ignored.