When it comes to creating your Will in Australia, you have several options. Two of the most popular choices for simple Wills are DIY Will kits (those forms you can buy at the post office or newsagent) and online Will platforms (like Will Hero).
Both let you create your Will at home, but the similarities end there. Understanding the key differences can save you time, money, and help ensure your Will is legally valid and actually does what you want it to do.
What Are Will Kits and Online Will Platforms?
DIY Will Kits
DIY Will kits are physical forms (or downloadable PDFs) that you fill out by hand or print and complete. They typically cost $20-$40 and are available from post offices, newsagents, or online. They’re essentially blank forms with minimal instructions — you provide all the information and figure out the legal requirements yourself.
Online Will Platforms
Online Will platforms (like Will Hero) are web-based services that guide you through creating your Will step-by-step. They use intelligent questionnaires and built-in assistance to help you create a legally valid Will. Many cost between $99-$199, though features vary significantly—some platforms include professional review, error checking, and support periods, while others offer basic services only. After creation (and review, if included), you can print your Will at home or have it posted to you for signing.
Online Wills vs Will Kits: Complete Comparison
| Feature | Online Will Platform (Will Hero) | DIY Will Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $99 | $20-$40 |
| Where to Get | Online from home | Post office, newsagent, or download |
| Time to Complete | 15-25 minutes | 1-3 hours (including research) |
| Ready to Sign | After professional review Print yourself or we post to you | ✓ Immediate — physical form ready ✓ Can sign straight away |
| Guidance & Support | ✓ Step-by-step guidance ✓ AI assistance ✓ Phone & chat support | ✗ No guidance ✗ No support ✗ No built-in guidance |
| Visual Interface | ✓ Visual Will creation ✓ Helps you figure out what you want ✓ Interactive diagrams ✓ Scenario testing | ✗ Blank forms only ✗ Must know what you want first ✗ No visual aids ✗ Text-based |
| Professional Review | ✓ Expert review included ✓ Legal compliance check ✓ Error detection | ✗ Not included ✗ No review ✗ No review before signing |
| Error Checking | ✓ AI-powered checks ✓ Missing information alerts ✓ Conflict detection | ✗ None ✗ Manual checking only ✗ Relies on user accuracy |
| State-Specific Requirements | ✓ Automatically tailored ✓ Correct witnessing rules ✓ State-compliant | ✗ Generic forms ✗ Must research yourself ✗ May not match your state |
| Complex Situations | ✓ Advanced provisions ✓ Conditional gifts ✓ Multiple contingencies ✓ Blended families | ✗ Basic only ✗ Limited options ✗ No advanced features ✗ May not support needs |
| Updates & Changes | ✓ Free for 12 months ✓ Easy online updates ✓ Save and return anytime | ✗ Buy new kit ✗ Start from scratch ✗ Pay again each time |
| Legal Language | ✓ Platform handles correct terminology ✓ Plain-English explanations ✓ No uncertainty about wording | ✗ You must ensure correct language ✗ Legal jargon to interpret ✗ Uncertainty about wording |
| Legal Validity Risk | ✓ Lower risk — errors caught early ✓ Reviewed before signing ✓ Multiple checks prevent issues | ✗ Higher risk — errors may go undetected ✗ No review before signing ✗ Common witnessing errors |
| Money-Back Guarantee | ✓ 30-day guarantee | ✗ Usually no returns |
The True Cost Comparison
While Will kits appear cheaper at first glance ($20-$40 vs $99), the true cost is more complex:
Will Kit True Cost
- Initial cost: $20-$40
- Time investment: 1-3 hours (including research into legal requirements)
- Risk of errors: Higher — no review or guidance before signing
- Cost of mistakes: If invalid, intestacy can cost $5,000-$20,000 in legal fees (same as any invalid Will)
- Error recovery: Must buy new kit if mistake made ($20-$40)
- Updates: Must buy new kit each time ($20-$40 per update)
- No support: If you get stuck, you’re on your own
Total potential cost: $20-$40 + 1-3 hours + risk of invalid Will (same consequences regardless of source)
Online Will Platform True Cost
- Initial cost: $99 (Will Hero)
- Time investment: 15-25 minutes with guidance
- Risk of errors: Lower — professional review and error checking included
- Cost of mistakes: Much lower risk — errors typically caught before signing, reducing chance of invalid Will
- Error recovery: Edit and correct online before printing (included)
- Updates: Free for 12 months included
- Support included: AI assistance, phone, and chat support for 1 year
Total cost: $99 with professional review, error checking, and free updates
Common Problems with Will Kits
1. Witnessing Errors
The most common reason Will kits fail is incorrect witnessing. Each Australian state has specific witnessing requirements (see our complete guide to making a legally valid Will in Australia for state-by-state signing and witnessing requirements, or find your state’s requirements here). For official state guidance on witnessing and Will requirements, refer to your state’s government or legal aid resources:
- New South Wales: NSW Government — Learn about Wills
- Victoria: Victoria Legal Aid — Making a valid Will
- Queensland: Queensland Government — Making a Will
- Other states: Check your state or territory government website, legal aid service, or Public Trustee office for official guidance on Will witnessing requirements.
It’s easy to make mistakes when witnessing:
- Witnesses not present at the same time
- Witnesses who are beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries
- Incorrect signing order
- Missing witness signatures or dates
Result: Invalid Will → intestacy (same costly consequences as any invalid Will)
2. Missing or Ambiguous Clauses
Will kits are generic forms that may not cover your specific situation:
- No provisions for blended families
- Missing backup beneficiaries
- Unclear language that leads to disputes
- No conditional gifts or trusts
Result: Will may not reflect your actual wishes, leading to family disputes
3. No Review or Error Checking
Will kits provide no professional review or validation before signing. Errors are only discovered after death, when it’s too late to fix.
4. Limited Flexibility
Will kits are designed for very simple situations only:
- Can’t handle complex estates
- No advanced provisions
- Limited beneficiary options
- No support for business interests or trusts
Result: If your situation is more complex, the kit may not work for you
5. Legal Language Uncertainty
Will kits contain legal terms that may be unclear, with no explanations provided for legal jargon. You must interpret legal language yourself without guidance, which can lead to uncertainty about whether your wording is legally valid.
6. Error Recovery Requires New Kit
If you make a mistake while filling out a Will kit, you typically need to start over:
- One mistake often means the whole form is unusable
- Must purchase a new kit to try again ($20-$40)
- All information must be re-entered from scratch
- Can’t easily edit or refine your choices
Result: Frustration and additional cost if you need to make corrections
7. Unfinished Wills
Many people who purchase Will kits never complete them because they lack confidence in their decisions and have no way to verify they’re doing it correctly. Without guidance or review, uncertainty leads to abandonment. The $20-$40 kit remains unfinished, leaving you without a Will.
Advantages of Online Will Platforms
1. Step-by-Step Guidance
Online Will platforms guide you through every step with simple, plain-English questions, clear explanations, and help if you get stuck—no legal jargon to figure out. This is a key advantage over Will kits, which provide minimal instructions.
2. Digital Format Allows Editing
Unlike Will kits where mistakes require buying a new kit, online platforms let you edit and refine your Will online before printing. You can make changes, correct errors, and adjust your choices without additional cost—a significant advantage over paper forms.
3. Basic Error Checking
Most online Will platforms include basic error checking—validating that required fields are completed and alerting you to missing information before you print. This reduces the risk of incomplete Wills compared to DIY kits.
Note: Will Hero goes further with AI-powered validation and conflict detection—see The Will Hero Difference below.
4. State-Specific Requirements
Online platforms automatically handle state-specific requirements, such as witnessing rules and legal formatting. This removes the need to research state laws yourself, which is often required with Will kits.
5. Legal Language Handled for You
Online platforms remove the uncertainty about legal terminology by handling correct legal language automatically. You don’t need to interpret legal jargon or second-guess whether your wording is legally valid—the platform ensures correct terminology is used.
6. Ease of Use: You Don’t Need to Be Perfect the First Time
One of the biggest differences between Will kits and online Will platforms is ease of use. With Will kits, you need to get everything right the first time — there’s no room for trial, error, or refinement. With online Will platforms, you can review, edit, and make changes until you’re confident your Will is exactly what you want. This ability to refine your choices is a major advantage over paper forms.
Will Kits: Get It Right the First Time
With Will kits, you must:
One mistake? Buy a new kit and start over.
Online Wills: Review, Edit, Refine
With online Will platforms, you can:
Edit as many times as you need before printing—no new purchase required. Note: Most platforms let you edit before printing, but features vary—Will Hero’s Scenario Testing lets you test “what-if” scenarios (see The Will Hero Difference below).
The Bottom Line: Will kits assume you are confident with legal language, estate planning decisions, and completing the form correctly the first time. Online Will platforms guide you through the process, let you review and refine your choices, and handle the legal language for you. However, features vary significantly between platforms—many are designed only for simple Wills.
7. Support Availability
Most online Will platforms provide some level of support during creation, though the type and duration varies:
- Email or chat support
- Helpful resources and guides
- FAQs and knowledge bases
Note: Support offerings vary—Will Hero includes AI assistance, phone support, and 12-month support (see The Will Hero Difference below).
8. Update Policies
Many online Will platforms allow you to edit your Will before printing. Update policies after purchase vary—some platforms charge for updates, while others include them for a period (typically 6-12 months). This flexibility is an advantage over Will kits, where updates require buying a new kit.
Note: Will Hero includes free updates for 12 months after purchase—see The Will Hero Difference below.
Important: Features Vary Significantly by Platform
What most online Will platforms offer:
- Step-by-step questionnaires for simple Wills
- Basic error checking (missing fields)
- Digital format (edit before printing)
- State-specific requirements
- Basic support during creation
What many platforms don’t include:
- Professional review for data validation and potential errors
- Advanced provisions (blended families, business interests, conditional gifts)
- Visual representation or diagrams
- Scenario testing or “what-if” analysis
- Plain-English summaries of your Will
- Long-term update periods
Will Hero goes beyond typical online platforms by including professional review, advanced provisions, Visual Will creation, Scenario Testing, Review My Will, and more. See The Will Hero Difference section below for details.
When a Will Kit Might Be Okay
Will kits might work for you if:
- ✓ You have a very simple estate (single person, straightforward beneficiaries)
- ✓ You’re comfortable researching legal requirements yourself
- ✓ You understand witnessing rules for your state
- ✓ You’re confident you won’t make errors
- ✓ You don’t need any advanced provisions
- ✓ You want to sign immediately (physical form ready, no printing or waiting for post)
- ✓ You’re prepared to buy a new kit every time you need to update or if you make a mistake
- ✓ You don’t have reliable internet access or prefer a physical form
However, even for simple situations, most Australians choose online Will platforms because the extra cost ($99 vs $20-$40) provides professional review, error prevention, and peace of mind.
When You Need an Online Will Platform
An online Will platform is the better choice if:
- ✓ You want step-by-step guidance rather than filling in blank forms yourself
- ✓ You need digital error checking and validation during creation
- ✓ Your situation is more complex (blended family, business interests, conditional gifts) — note: many online platforms only support simple Wills; Will Hero supports advanced provisions (see The Will Hero Difference below)
- ✓ You want the convenience of creating your Will from home, at any time
- ✓ You prefer editing online before printing, rather than buying a new kit if you make a mistake
- ✓ You want digital access to save your progress and return later
- ✓ You value support and guidance over figuring everything out yourself
For most Australians, online Will platforms provide better guidance, error checking, and convenience than Will kits. Features vary by platform—see The Will Hero Difference below for what sets Will Hero apart from other online platforms.
Making Your Decision
Choose a Will Kit If:
- You have an extremely simple estate
- You’re very confident in your legal knowledge
- $60-$80 savings upfront is worth the risk
- You’re prepared to research requirements yourself
- You accept the risk of potential invalidity
Choose an Online Will Platform If:
- You want professional review and error checking
- You need guidance and support
- Your situation is anything beyond very basic
- You value peace of mind and legal certainty
- You want free updates and support for 1 year
The Will Hero Difference
Will Hero combines the affordability of Will kits with the quality and support of professional services:
- Visual Will creation — Helps you figure out what you want with interactive diagrams
- Scenario Testing — Test different scenarios to see how your Will would handle various situations
- Review My Will — Get a plain-English summary of everything in your Will to verify it matches your intentions
- Professional review — Every Will is reviewed for data validation and potential errors that could invalidate your Will before signing
- Error checking and recovery — Built-in validation catches mistakes before signing; edit online before printing
- State-compliant — Automatically tailored to your state’s requirements
- Advanced provisions — Support for complex situations, not just basic Wills
- Free updates — Edit your Will anytime for 12 months
- Just $99 — Includes everything: review, updates, support, and printed copy
Real-World Cost Example
Sarah’s Story (Will Kit):
- Bought Will kit: $30
- Spent 2-3 hours researching requirements and understanding legal language
- Made witnessing error (witnesses signed on different days)
- Will was invalid when she passed away
- Family had to go through intestacy
- Legal fees: $12,000
- Estate distributed differently than Sarah wanted
Total cost: $30 + 2-3 hours + $12,000 = $12,030 + stress
Michael’s Story (Online Will Platform):
- Used Will Hero: $99
- Completed in 20 minutes with guidance
- Professional review caught a data validation issue (fixed before signing)
- Will was valid and executed correctly
- Estate distributed exactly as Michael intended
- No additional legal fees
Total cost: $99 + 20 minutes
Limitations: What Will Kits and Online Will Platforms Can’t Do
It’s important to understand that both Will kits and online Will platforms have limitations. Neither option is suitable for all situations, and there are times when consulting a lawyer is the best choice.
When Will Kits and Online Will Platforms May Not Be Suitable
Both Will kits and online Will platforms like Will Hero are designed for straightforward estate planning. You may need to consult a lawyer if you have:
- Complex business structures — Multiple companies, partnerships, or business succession planning
- International assets — Property or assets located outside Australia requiring multiple Wills
- Complex trusts — Family trusts, discretionary trusts, or complex trust structures
- Contested family situations — Concerns about Will challenges or disputes
- Special needs trusts — Plans for beneficiaries with disabilities requiring special trust arrangements
- Tax planning complexities — Complex estate planning strategies to minimise tax obligations
- Controlling beneficiary access — Need for testamentary trusts to control how beneficiaries receive assets over time
Will Kit Specific Limitations
Will kits are particularly limited because they:
- Can’t handle any complexity — Even moderately complex situations may not be supported
- Provide no legal advice — You must interpret all legal requirements yourself
- Offer no professional review — No one checks if your Will is appropriate for your situation
- Have limited flexibility — Generic forms may not accommodate your specific wishes
Online Will Platform Limitations
Online Will platforms like Will Hero are more flexible than Will kits, but still have limits:
- Designed for straightforward estates — While we support many complex situations, extremely complex estates may need lawyer input
- No personalised legal advice — We provide expert review of your document, but not advice on estate planning strategies
- Self-service model — You create the Will yourself (with guidance), rather than having it custom-drafted by a lawyer
- May not support all trust structures — Some complex trust arrangements may require lawyer assistance
When to Consult a Lawyer
Consider consulting a lawyer if:
- Your estate is worth more than $2-3 million and you want tax planning advice
- You have complex business interests requiring succession planning
- You need multiple Wills for international assets
- Your family situation is contentious and you anticipate challenges
- You need specialised trusts for beneficiaries with disabilities
- You want ongoing estate planning advice and relationship management
The Bottom Line on Limitations
Both Will kits and online Will platforms can create legally valid Wills, but they’re designed for straightforward situations. If your estate is complex, your family situation is contentious, or you need personalised legal advice, consulting a lawyer may be worth the investment.
For most Australians with straightforward estates, online Will platforms like Will Hero offer the best balance of affordability, professional review, and support. But it’s important to recognise when your situation may need more specialised attention.
The Bottom Line
Will kits can work for extremely simple situations if you’re confident, have legal knowledge, and are willing to accept the risk of errors. However, they provide no guidance, no review, and no support — leaving you to figure everything out yourself.
Online Will platforms like Will Hero offer professional review, error checking, step-by-step guidance, and support for 1 year for just $99. For most Australians, this represents far better value than a $20-$40 Will kit that could end up costing thousands if errors occur.
The choice comes down to: Save $60-$80 upfront while managing the risks yourself, or invest $99 for professional review and peace of mind?
The Most Important Thing: Having a Will
The most important thing is having a Will. Whether you use a Will kit, an online platform, or a lawyer, having a Will in place is far better than having none. Even a simple Will can make a significant difference for your loved ones.
Comparison note
Features and services vary between providers and may change over time. This comparison is based on publicly available information and typical offerings at the time of writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, DIY Will kits are legal in Australia when properly completed, signed, and witnessed according to your state's requirements. However, they can have higher error rates because they provide no guidance, no professional review, and no support if you get stuck. Many Will kits end up being invalid or incomplete due to witnessing errors, missing clauses, or ambiguous language.
John Ryan
Co-Founder & Estate Planning Advocate at Will Hero
