Is a template Will right for me?
Our template suits most people, but not everyone. Pick your family situation and where you are in life to see whether our free Will fits, or whether you should talk to a solicitor.
- ✓Template fits
- !Template + Lawyer Review
- ✕Solicitor-prepared Will
- !!Urgent: contact a solicitor
| Family situation | Stage 1Healthy and stable | Stage 2Life event | Stage 3Known risk, still well | Stage 4Serious diagnosis | Stage 5Terminal, life expectancy known | Stage 6Crisis or capacity in doubt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Single, no children | ||||||
| 2. Couple, no children | ||||||
| 3. Couple, young children | ||||||
| 4. Couple, adult children | ||||||
| 5. Single parent, divorced or widowed | ||||||
| 6. Blended family | ||||||
| 7. Separated, not divorced | ||||||
| 8. Business, trust, SMSF or overseas assets | ||||||
| 9. Beneficiary with a disability or other vulnerability |
Click any square to see why, and your next step. Not sure which stage you're at? See what each stage means.
What the stages mean
The stages are about your health, and how much time and certainty you have. If you're between two stages, choose the later one.
Stage 1. Healthy and stable
You're in good health, with no known conditions that are likely to shorten your life or affect your memory or understanding.
- No significant health issues
- No recent big changes in your family or finances
- You simply want to have a Will in place
Stage 2. Life event
Something has changed in your family or finances. You're still well, but your existing Will (or lack of one) may no longer reflect your wishes.
- Getting married (this generally cancels an existing Will)
- Separating or divorcing
- Having or adopting a child, or becoming a grandparent
- Buying a home, starting a business or receiving an inheritance
- Retiring, or a death in the family
Stage 3. Known risk, still well
You feel well and are managing day to day, but you know of a health risk that could shorten your life or affect your memory in future.
- A genetic test showing a raised risk (for example BRCA, or a dementia-related gene)
- A strong family history of heart disease, cancer or dementia
- An early diagnosis that's well controlled, such as early heart disease or diabetes
- Getting older, for example over 70
Stage 4. Serious diagnosis
You've been diagnosed with a serious illness. Your life expectancy may be uncertain, and illness, treatment or medication may start to affect you.
- Cancer, during or after treatment
- A serious heart or lung condition
- Early-stage dementia, Parkinson's or motor neurone disease
- A stroke or other serious event you're recovering from
Stage 5. Terminal, life expectancy known
Your doctors have told you your illness can't be cured, and you have an idea of how long you may have.
- Palliative care has started
- You've been given an estimate of weeks or months
- Your energy, focus or memory changes from day to day
Stage 6. Crisis or capacity in doubt
The person is very unwell right now, or there's already doubt about whether they understand what's happening.
- In hospital or ICU, or deteriorating quickly
- Confusion, or mid to late-stage dementia
- Heavy medication that affects alertness
General guidance only, not legal advice. Everyone's situation is different. If you're unsure, a Lawyer Review is the safest choice.