Writing a will is something most Australians know they should do, yet many put it off for years. Large numbers of people still pass away without clear instructions, causing stress, confusion, and legal complications for their families. Will Kit have made it easier for everyday Australians to take control of their estate planning.
Table of Contents
Common Reasons Australians Put Off Writing a Will
For decades, the same concerns have surfaced whenever estate planning is discussed. These concerns are not about a lack of care, but about perception and practicality.
1. Cost Feels Out of Proportion
Many Australians assume writing a will requires engaging a solicitor at significant expense. For individuals or families with straightforward assets, this can feel excessive.
Common assumptions include:
2. The Process Feels Too Complicated
Legal documents can be intimidating. Unfamiliar terminology and formal structures create the impression that professional oversight is always required.
This complexity often leads to:
3. Fear of Getting It Wrong
One of the strongest behavioural barriers is fear. Many people worry that a poorly prepared will could cause more harm than good.
This fear is often linked to:
How Simpler Approaches Change Behaviour
When estate planning is presented as an all or nothing legal exercise, avoidance is common. When the process is simplified and broken into manageable steps, behaviour changes.
Clarity Reduces Delay
Step by step formats encourage action by replacing uncertainty with structure. Instead of starting from a blank page, individuals respond to clear prompts and explanations written in plain language.
Accessibility Encourages Completion
Flexible, self paced options remove the pressure of appointments and time constraints. This is particularly valuable for:
Confidence Comes From Guidance
Clear explanations around common decisions help people understand what is expected, not what is perfect. This sense of guidance is often enough to move estate planning from intention to action.
Traditional Legal Services vs DIY Estate Planning
The table below highlights how different approaches are commonly perceived by everyday Australians.
| Aspect | Traditional Legal Route | DIY Approach |
| Cost | Often higher upfront | Typically lower |
| Time commitment | Appointments required | Completed at own pace |
| Language | Legal terminology | Plain English |
| Accessibility | Office based | Home based |
| Best suited for | Complex estates | Straightforward estates |
Where DIY Options Fit In
DIY estate planning, including a will kit, is not meant to replace legal advice in every case. It fills a gap for people who:
This approach mirrors a wider trend where guided self-service solutions make specialist tasks more accessible.
Key Considerations Before Choosing a DIY Option
Simpler tools can be effective, but they work best when used thoughtfully. Before starting, it is important to consider both legal and personal factors. These include family structure and dependants, ownership of property or shared assets, superannuation and beneficiary nominations, and any state-specific legal requirements.
In some situations, professional advice may be more appropriate. This applies to blended families, business ownership, trusts or overseas assets, and circumstances where disputes are likely. Understanding these points before using a DIY option helps ensure the process is effective and appropriate for your circumstances.
Why This Shift Matters
The most important outcome is having a valid will. Delaying the process often causes more problems than choosing a simple, appropriate solution. By reducing barriers like cost, complexity, and fear, DIY options such as a will kit help everyday Australians participate in estate planning. The result is not perfection, but action and that alone makes a meaningful difference.
Final Thoughts
Estate planning does not need to be intimidating to be effective. Clear information, realistic options, and control over the process help people act. The rise of DIY solutions is a practical response to longstanding barriers. For many Australians, accessibility and clarity are what finally turn intention into action.
