Will

Your will is a written document that appoints an Executor/s to manage your affairs after your death. It states how you would like your assets to be distributed when you die, and the person or organisation you would like to be responsible for carrying out your wishes. Your will also lets you:

• name one or more guardians for your children
• establish a trust to provide for your children or a person with a disability
• preserve your assets
• give money to charity and philanthropic organisations

Making your will is important because, if you die without a valid will, you die ‘intestate’. This means:

• your assets will be distributed according to the Queensland laws of intestacy talked about in Part 3 of the Succession Act 1981 (PDF, 490KB)
• there is no guarantee that your assets will be distributed as you would like
• your family or friends may not be provided for as you wish
• it may take more time and money to finalise your estate.

Having a valid will is the only reliable way to ensure that your estate goes to family or friends of your choice after you pass away. Having a valid and up-to-date will can help reduce stress for your family and friends, limit the costs to administer your estate, and lessen the possibility of disputes over your estate.

The Queensland Government provide heaps of useful information about preparing your will. Click here to read their information.