A Will is a legal document that lets you make your wishes known when you are no longer here.

By having a Will, you can leave instructions about how your estate is distributed.

You can also name someone to carry out these instructions – this person is called the ‘executor’.

When should I make a Will?

You should think about making a new Will if your circumstances change. This could include:

  • marriage
  • divorce
  • the birth or children or grandchildren
  • the death of a beneficiary
  • getting new assets or money
  • disposing of assets or money
  • joint assets become solely yours, or vice versa.

It’s a good idea to review your Will every 5 years.

We can help you make a Will and update it at any time for free if you are an eligible customer and the Public Trustee is named executor.

If you are not eligible for Public Trustee services, you will need to see a lawyer, private trustee company or other alternative. 

Things to think about

It’s important to think carefully about who will benefit under your Will.

  • Are there any people who you want to leave money or particular items (like jewellery or real estate) to?
  • Do you have a family trust or operate a business as a sole trader or in a partnership?

Children and family

  • Do you need to provide for someone, like your partner or children?
  • If you have young children, who will be their guardian?
  • At what age should they receive their entitlement? (eg when they turn 18, or when they are older?)
  • Do you need to provide for a disabled child? What will they need should you die?

Funerals

  • Do you have any specific funeral instructions?
  • Have you organised a pre-paid funeral?
  • Do you want to be cremated or buried?
  • Is there a particular place you would like your funeral ceremony to take place?

Assets and liabilities

Do you need a Will? We can help

If you are an eligible customer, the Public Trustee can help you make a Will, free of charge.