Our office and phone lines will be closed on Wednesday. We will be contactable via email and our online form.
- 71 St John Street, Launceston
- Mon to Fri 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- 03 6331 5500
- info@sproal.au
Make a will
How it works
1. Click the 'Get Started' button below and complete an online form.
2. Your instructions are automatically sent to us.
3. One of our lawyers produces a will. They will contact you if they require clarification as to your wishes.
4. We invoice you $299 incl GST. You can pay the invoice in instalments within six (6) weeks, or in one lump sum.
5. Once paid, we email the will to you in Word and PDF for your review. We can mail it to you for an extra $15 for postage and handling.
6. You can opt to sign the will in our office with one of our lawyers, or return your signed will by post. We will tell you how the will must be signed and witnessed so as to be legally valid. You then arrange to do that yourself.
7. You can elect to store your signed will in our safe at no additional cost. If you have returned your signed will by post and you opt to store your will with us, we will send you a link to complete remote verification of identity via InfoTrackID ($13.75 fee per person).
8. Once entered into safe custody, we will email you confirmation with a certified copy of your signed will attached for your records. We can mail it to you for an extra $15 for postage and handling.
9. In the event of your death, we will release your will to your appointed executor/s upon receiving a certified copy of the record of death. It is a good idea to let your executor know your will is stored with us, so they know to contact us.
Do you need a complex will?
If based on the instructions you provide, we determine that you require a complex will, we will contact you to let you know and discuss your options.
Alternatively, you can elect to make a complex will via our online form. We recommend that you still go through the process of completing the online form as it will likely reduce the interview time, and therefore reduce the cost to you.
If your capacity to make a will might be affected by anything such as dementia, or you have a blended family, or you require elements, such as testamentary trusts or disability trusts, or your beneficiaries are at risk of losing what they receive from your will due to creditors or challenges from third parties, you should make a complex will.
Making a will - FAQ
What does an executor do?
An executor is responsible for administering your estate. For example, this includes collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, as well as distributing the remaining assets according to the Last Will.
Who cannot be my executor?
An executor may be passed over or removed for many reasons. To avoid any issues, you should not appoint the following as an executor:
- A person who is a minor.
- A person who is of bad character (for example, they have committed a serious crime).
- A person who is overseas for a prolonged period.
- A person who is in ill health.
- A person who doesn’t have legal capacity (they aren’t competent to deal with the estate).
- A person who is of unsound mind.
- A person who has disappeared.
What is an alternate executor?
The alternate executor(s) will assume all responsibility for administering your estate if the executor you selected is unable or unwilling to act or continue to act.
Can my executor or alternate executor also benefit from my Will?
Yes, your executor or alternate executor can still receive gifts in your Will.
When is a child considered dependent?
Dependent children include children who are:
- Minors;
- Attending school or a post-secondary institution full time and are under the age of 25; or
- They are no longer minors, but they cannot support themselves due to a mental or physical condition.
What is a guardian?
A guardian has the same authority as a parent and is responsible for caring for your minor or dependent children.
Who can be a guardian?
The guardian must be an adult of sound mind.
How will property or assets be held if my minor beneficiaries have to wait until a certain age before they receive their inheritance?
Your executor will hold the property in trust until the child reaches their chosen age.
Is there anything I cannot give away?
There are some restrictions on gifts. You cannot give away:
- Your spouse or de factor's property
- Proceeds from financial instruments that already have beneficiaries (such as a life insurance or retirement fund)
- Jointly held property where the other party automatically receives your share upon your death (e.g. Property owned in joint tenancy)
Can I appoint a pet caretaker?
Yes, you can. Alternatively, you can give your executor the option to appoint a pet caretaker for you.
Are funeral directions in my Will legally binding?
No, they are not.
Furthermore, your Will may not be read until after funeral arrangements have already been made.
We recommend that you discuss your wishes with your loved ones now.
I have lent money to one of my children. Can I forgive that loan in my will?
Yes you can forgive a loan that is owed to you. If you do not, the loan will become an asset of your estate.
Alternatively, if you have lent money to one of your children and not the others, you can include terms in your will which have the effect of evening things up between your children.
What happens if I die without a Will?
We have a blog post that answers this question, you can read it here.