Why You Need a Valid Will on the Sunshine Coast

Creating a will is one of the most important steps in protecting your family and ensuring your wishes are honoured after you pass away. Without a valid will, Queensland's intestacy laws determine how your estate is distributed, which may not align with your intentions.

A properly drafted will gives you control over who inherits your property, who cares for your minor children, and who manages your estate administration. It can also minimise family disputes and reduce the time and cost involved in settling your affairs.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Queensland?

If you die without a valid will in Queensland, your estate is distributed according to intestacy laws. Your spouse may not automatically inherit everything, and your children's inheritance may be held in trust until they turn 18. Intestacy can create complications, delays, and family disputes that could have been easily avoided with professional estate planning.

Our Sunshine Coast Will Services

Single Wills ($599)

Our single will service includes:

  • Comprehensive consultation to understand your wishes and family situation
  • Professional will drafting tailored to your circumstances
  • Appointment of executors and guardians for minor children
  • Distribution of your estate according to your instructions
  • Specific gifts and bequests
  • Residuary estate provisions
  • Legally valid execution with proper witnessing

Couple Wills ($799)

Our couple will package offers exceptional value for partners who want to plan together:

  • Two comprehensive wills for you and your partner
  • Coordinated estate planning to maximise benefits
  • Mirror wills or independent provisions as you prefer
  • Testamentary trust provisions available
  • Guardianship arrangements for children
  • All the benefits of single wills for both parties

Complex Estate Planning

For more complex situations, we offer comprehensive services including:

  • Testamentary trusts for asset protection and tax minimisation
  • Business succession planning
  • Blended family arrangements
  • Disability provisions and special needs trusts
  • Charitable bequests
  • Superannuation death benefit nominations
  • Enduring power of attorney documents

"Michael and Michaela responded to my enquiries in a timely and professional manner as well as providing me with excellent advice. Their transparency in relation to the potential costs involved in various legal scenarios was very reassuring and made the whole process easy to navigate. I have absolutely no hesitation in using them for any future dealings I may have."

— Lynn R
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Why Choose Will and Estate Lawyers for Your Sunshine Coast Will?

Fixed-Fee Transparency

We believe in upfront, honest pricing. Our fixed fees mean you know exactly what you'll pay with no hidden costs or hourly billing surprises. What we quote is what you pay.

Experienced Queensland Lawyers

Our legal team specialises in wills and estates under Queensland law. We understand the specific requirements for valid wills on the Sunshine Coast and throughout Queensland, ensuring your will meets all legal formalities.

Personalised Service

We take the time to understand your unique family situation, assets, and wishes. Every will is tailored to your specific circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all template.

Convenient Sunshine Coast Location

Our office at 30 Chancellor Village Blvd, Sippy Downs serves clients throughout the Sunshine Coast region, from Caloundra through Maroochydore to Noosa. We also offer flexible appointment times to suit your schedule, including phone and video consultations.

Ongoing Support

Your life circumstances change, and your will should too. We provide ongoing advice about when you should update your will and make the update process simple and affordable.

500+ Estates Administered
$599 Single Will Fixed Fee
4.9/5 Client Rating

What Makes a Will Valid in Queensland?

For a will to be legally valid in Queensland, it must meet specific requirements under the Succession Act 1981:

  • In writing: Wills must be in written form (typed or handwritten)
  • Signed by you: You must sign the will at the end of the document
  • Witnessed properly: Two independent witnesses must be present when you sign, and they must also sign the will
  • Testamentary capacity: You must be of sound mind and understand what you're doing
  • Free from undue influence: You must be making the will voluntarily without pressure or coercion
  • Clear intention: The document must clearly intend to be your will

While DIY wills and will kits are available across the Sunshine Coast, they often fail to meet these technical requirements or don't account for your specific circumstances. An incorrectly executed will can be challenged or declared invalid, leaving your estate subject to intestacy laws.

Why a Cheap Will Kit Won't Cut It

You can buy a will kit from many places across the Sunshine Coast. While you can make a valid will using a kit, there are significant risks:

Not Personalised

Generic mass-produced products are a great way to save money on some things, but estate planning isn't one of them. A template document won't cover businesses, investments, blended families, or estranged children. It's not comparable with a will drafted by our Sunshine Coast lawyers.

Too Much Work

Will kits come with instruction manuals you really need to read thoroughly to ensure you make a valid will. A will kit may be legal in Australia, provided you complete it correctly, but they often go very wrong.

Risky

Families only discover their well-intended document doesn't hold up when they visit a solicitor to prepare for probate, or when their application is requisitioned by the Court. Bank accounts can be tied up for months, debts like funeral fees are added to a loved one's credit card, and lawyers need to be retained to arrange guardianship of children.

Not Future-Proof

A carefully drafted will can last for years without any need to change it. With considered planning for your future needs, you can avoid common pitfalls which necessitate drafting a new document or worse, result in an invalid document.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Sunshine Coast Wills

Not Updating Your Will

Major life events require will updates. Marriage automatically revokes a will in Queensland unless it was made "in contemplation of marriage." Divorce doesn't automatically revoke gifts to ex-spouses. Children are born, assets change, and executors may become unsuitable. Review your will every 3-5 years or after significant life changes.

Choosing the Wrong Executor

Your executor manages your entire estate, pays debts, and distributes assets. Choose someone trustworthy, organised, and capable of handling financial matters. Consider appointing alternate executors in case your first choice can't serve.

Not Considering Testamentary Trusts

For estates over $500,000 or families with minor children, testamentary trusts can provide significant tax advantages and asset protection. Many DIY wills don't include these provisions.

Failing to Account for Digital Assets

Modern estates include digital assets like cryptocurrency, online businesses, social media accounts, and digital photos. Your will should address how these are accessed and distributed.

The Will Drafting Process

1

Free Consultation

Discuss your family situation, assets, and wishes via phone.

2

Fixed Fee Quote

Receive your transparent, fixed-fee quote with no hidden costs.

3

Take Instructions

Detailed phone consultation to capture your complete instructions.

4

Professional Drafting

We prepare your will based on your specific instructions.

5

Draft Will Sent

We explain key clauses and make any adjustments needed.

6

Sign & Witness

Final execution with proper witnessing to ensure validity.

Serving the Entire Sunshine Coast Region

We provide wills and estates services across the entire Sunshine Coast, including Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Buderim, Nambour, Coolum, and Noosa. We also assist clients throughout the Sunshine Coast hinterland and surrounding areas including Gympie and the Glass House Mountains.

Our office is conveniently located at 30 Chancellor Village Blvd, Sippy Downs, with appointments available in person or via phone and video conference for your convenience.

Ready to Protect Your Family's Future?

Contact our Sunshine Coast wills lawyers today for a free consultation and same-day quote. Whether you need a simple will or comprehensive estate planning, we're here to provide professional guidance with transparent pricing.