While DIY will kits may seem like a cheaper option (starting from around $50), they often lack the legal safeguards needed to ensure your will is valid and effective. Online wills, typically priced between $100 and $250, offer slightly more support, but they still fall short of the tailored advice and legal protection you receive from an experienced lawyer.
A will isn’t just a document, it’s peace of mind. Here’s what you need to know about creating one that truly protects your wishes and your family.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that contains details of how you want your estate to be inherited upon your demise. In South Australia, your will must meet certain criteria to be valid. These include the following:
- Your will must be in writing.
- Your will must be signed by you and two other adult witnesses – all being present together at the same time.
- Your will must name beneficiaries who will inherit the estate and an executor who will carry out your wishes.
What Is Included in a Will?
The contents of a will vary as much as the people who make them, so you can be as creative as you wish, provided your will meets the legal requirements. Generally, a will can include:
- Specific gifts (including to charities).
- The person or persons who will receive the rest and residue of your estate (this may include real estate, money, jewellery, cryptocurrency, digital assets, properties and possessions).
- Who you appoint to administer your estate and carry out your wishes.
- Your preferred guardian for your minor children.
- Your preferred caretaker/s for your pet/s.
- Your instructions as to your funeral and if you wish to be buried or cremated.
If you’re unsure about what or what not to include in your will, ask your lawyer for guidance. FJS Lawyers will guide you through the process with care and clarity.
How Do You Make a Will?
According to the Legal Services Commission of South Australia, the best way to create a will is to consult a private lawyer who has knowledge and expertise in wills. A lawyer will give you advice tailored to your circumstances and draft a will accordingly, while ensuring that it complies with the laws governing wills.
You can make a will if you are 18 years or older and have legal capacity. Legal capacity implies that you know what a will is, what it means when you make one, and you can communicate your wishes clearly. A lawyer will be able to assess your legal capacity when you make your will.
Other options to make a will include DIY will kits, online wills, and community will days.
How Much Does It Cost to Prepare a Will?
FJS lawyers charge $440 to prepare a simple will for an individual and $550 for couples (two wills).
If you are a Seniors Card SA holder, you can enjoy a 50% discount, meaning $220 for a will.
We understand that sometimes preparing a will can be urgent. We do our best to accommodate your needs, including hospital, palliative care, and home visits, in addition to after-hours and weekend services (additional fees apply).
How Much Does Will Storage Cost?
When we prepare your will at FJS Lawyers, we also store it free of charge and register it with the Law Society of South Australia. This service is not available for Will Kits or Online Wills.
Will storage is as important as making a will. An improperly stored will may be altered, damaged or lost, and any of these events may invalidate your will and cause additional stress to your grieving loved ones.
Our complimentary will storage service ensures your will is safe and secure when it is needed.
Wills for Seniors
As we get older, it’s natural to start thinking more seriously about the future, especially about making things easier for the people we love. One of the most thoughtful things you can do is ensure your wishes are clearly outlined in a will.
At FJS Lawyers, we make this process affordable and stress-free for seniors – 50% off for Seniors’ Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives –
- $220 for a simple will
- $137.50 for an Enduring Power of Attorney
- $137.50 for an Advance Care Directive.
ALL 3 DOCUMENTS for $495.00 per person.
It’s a small investment for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs are in order.
We’ll guide you through the process with care and clear advice, making sure your will reflects your wishes and covers everything that matters to you — whether that’s your home, savings, family heirlooms, and even who will care for your pet.
If it is difficult to get to us, we can come to you! We offer home, hospital, and palliative care visits, along with after-hours and weekend appointments if needed (extra fees may apply).
What About DIY Will Kits?
DIY Will Kits cost as little as $50, but they may lead to problems that cost your estate thousands of dollars to rectify. Why? DIY Will Kits employ a one-size-fits-all approach to will preparation, which doesn’t adequately address individual circumstances. Issues commonly found with DIY Will Kits include inadequate or incorrect signing and/or witnessing, and/or incorrect wording used to express your wishes.
Cheap Online Wills
Online platforms enable individuals to create wills by answering several questions, which a lawyer then reviews before it is signed. They typically cost between $100 and $250. While these may seem a better option than DIY Will Kits because a lawyer is involved, these may involve the use of generic templates and AI and may fail to capture the uniqueness of your circumstances.
A lawyer should take your instructions on how you want your estate to be distributed, provide you with appropriate legal advice, and draft a will that reflects your circumstances. This is what you get when you prepare a will with us at FJS Lawyers. Get started now.
Ready to Get Your Will Sorted?
Whether you are planning ahead or need something done quickly, FJS Lawyers is here to help. Our experienced team will guide you through the process with care, making sure your will is legally sound and reflects your wishes.
Book your appointment today – Message us using the contact form below to get started.If you hold a Seniors Card, don’t forget to ask about our 50% discount.
Let’s take care of it together, so you and your loved ones can enjoy peace of mind.