Introduction – The Rise of DIY Wills
More Australians are turning to online will kits as a quick and affordable way to write their will. At first glance, it seems like a simple solution — download a template, fill it in, and your estate is sorted.
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But while convenient, DIY wills can be risky. If not completed properly, an online will kit may be challenged in court, leaving your family with stress and costs you never intended.
At eziFunerals, we help families plan funerals and estates with clarity. This guide explains how online will kits work, the pros and cons, and why many Australians prefer secure alternatives such as professional will-writing services like Willed.com.au.
What is an Online Will Kit?
An online will kit is a digital or printable template that allows you to draft your own will. It usually includes:
- Standard wording for bequests (who gets what).
- Sections for appointing an executor.
- Instructions for signing and witnessing.
Costs range from $30–$200, depending on the provider.
Benefits of Online Will Kits
- Low Cost – Much cheaper than hiring a lawyer.
- Convenience – Can be done from home, anytime.
- Quick Setup – Most kits take less than an hour to complete.
For simple estates, an online will kit may be sufficient.
The Risks of Online Will Kits
Despite their appeal, DIY wills carry serious risks:
Errors and Omissions
- Missing signatures, wrong witnesses, or unclear instructions can make the will invalid.
Not Covering Complex Estates
- Blended families, superannuation, or overseas assets usually require professional advice.
Disputes Among Family
- Vague or incomplete wills are easier to contest.
No Legal Advice
- Kits provide templates, not tailored legal guidance.
👉 Warning: A will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever sign. Saving a few hundred dollars now could cost your family thousands later if the will is contested.
Who Should Avoid an Online Will Kit?
You should not use a DIY kit if you:
- Have a blended family (stepchildren, multiple relationships).
- Own property in multiple states or overseas.
- Have a self-managed super fund (SMSF).
- Expect disputes among beneficiaries.
Better Alternatives to Online Will Kits
1. Professional Will Services (Recommended)
Services like Willed.com.au provide legally valid wills prepared online but with guidance to ensure compliance. They combine convenience with proper legal structure.
2. Solicitor or Estate Lawyer
For complex estates, a lawyer can provide customised advice and ensure your wishes are enforceable.
3. Public Trustee
Each state has a Public Trustee office offering will-making services, often at lower cost than private lawyers.
Cost Comparison – Will Options in Australia
| Option | Cost Range | Best For | Risks |
| Online Will Kit | $30 – $200 | Simple estates | Errors, disputes, invalid wills |
| Online Will Service (e.g. Willed.com.au) | $150 – $300 | Most Australians with straightforward needs | Limited advice for complex estates |
| Solicitor/Estate Lawyer | $500 – $3,000+ | Complex estates, blended families | Higher cost |
| Public Trustee | Varies | Pensioners, simple wills | May have restrictions |
How eziFunerals Helps Families
While eziFunerals doesn’t prepare wills, we support families by:
- Providing estate planning resources to reduce stress.
- Connecting wills with funeral planning — ensuring wishes are respected.
- Promoting safe alternatives like Willed.com.au, which offer affordable, legally valid wills.
👉 Get a Quote today to compare funeral planning options while securing your estate wishes.
FAQs – Online Will Kits in Australia
Q: Are online will kits legal in Australia?
A: Yes, but they must meet strict signing and witnessing requirements.
Q: Can I write my own will without a lawyer?
A: Yes, but risks of mistakes and disputes are higher.
Q: What happens if my online will kit is invalid?
A: Your estate may be distributed under intestacy laws, not your wishes.
Q: Is Willed.com.au a safer option?
A: Yes, it combines online convenience with legal validity and proper formatting.
Q: Should seniors use online will kits?
A: Only for very simple estates. More complex cases need professional advice.
Final Thoughts – Think Before Choosing an Online Will Kit
Online will kits are cheap and fast, but they can leave families exposed to legal disputes if done incorrectly. For many Australians, it’s better to invest a little more in a secure, professional optionlike Willed.com.au.
At eziFunerals, we encourage families to make informed choices — for both funerals and estate planning — to ensure peace of mind for those left behind.
👉 Take control today – Get a Quote and plan ahead with confidence.
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Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.