Estate Planning Calculators

Estate Planning in Australia: A Complete Guide

Estate planning ensures your assets go where you want them to, your loved ones are protected, and the legal process after your death is as smooth as possible. This guide covers the essentials every Australian should understand.

Do I Need a Will?

Yes — if you die without a valid will (intestate), your estate is distributed according to a fixed legal formula that varies by state, which may not reflect your actual wishes. This can mean unintended beneficiaries, family disputes, and a longer, more expensive process.

DIY Will Kits vs Solicitor-Drafted Wills

• DIY will kits: $20–$50, suitable only for very simple estates with no complications
• Online will services: $100–$300, guided process with some legal oversight
• Solicitor-drafted wills: $300–$1,500+, recommended for blended families, business owners, complex assets or large estates

What Does an Executor Do?

An executor is responsible for administering your estate — applying for probate, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries according to your will. Executors can be family members (who typically serve without payment) or professional executors (solicitors or trustee companies) who charge a percentage commission, typically 2-5% of the estate value.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of confirming a will is valid and granting the executor authority to administer the estate. Not every estate requires probate — smaller estates or those with assets held jointly may bypass the process entirely. Probate filing fees and processing times vary significantly by state.

Intestacy — Dying Without a Will

If you die without a valid will, your state's intestacy laws determine how your estate is distributed. Generally, spouses and children are prioritised, but the exact formula varies significantly between states — and de facto partners, stepchildren and blended family members can face unexpected outcomes under intestacy rules.

Key Estate Planning Documents

• Will: Directs distribution of assets after death
• Enduring Power of Attorney: Allows someone to manage your financial affairs if you lose capacity
• Advance Care Directive: Documents your medical treatment wishes
• Testamentary Trust: Can provide tax and asset protection benefits for beneficiaries

All calculators provide estimates based on typical Australian state-based fees and practices. Not legal advice. Always consult a wills and estates solicitor for your specific situation.