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.