Learn about wills
A will is a legal document that details who you want to manage your estate and inherit your assets after your death. Find out what makes a will valid.
What is a will?
A will is a legal document that sets out your plans and preferences of who you want to receive your assets and how your estate is to be managed when you pass away.
A will is one of the most important legal documents you’ll make. It generally details:
- what you wish to happen to your estate after your death, including who your beneficiaries are and the distribution of assets
- the executor (or co-executors) who you entrust to carry out those wishes
- your nominated guardian and the terms of any trust set up for your children or other beneficiaries
- any specific funeral or memorial preferences.
What makes a will valid?
To be valid, a will must be:
- completed in writing, either typed or printed
- signed by yourself or by another person at your direction, if you're physically unable to (but this must be in your presence)
- witnessed by 2 adults in your presence when you sign it, however, the witnesses cannot be beneficiaries.
End of Life Planner
An interactive guide to help you prepare for end of life tasks and documents before you meet with a professional advisor. This includes will preparation, Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship, funeral wishes and more.
You will need to log in to your MyServiceNSW Account to use the planner.
We're now directing you to log in to the Life Administrator – End of Life Planner. You'll need a MyServiceNSW Account to continue.
Why should I log in?
By logging in you're able to:
- start the planning process
- update and save your information whenever circumstances change
- find ways to get professional advice if you need it.