Before you sit down to create your will, gather this information. Having everything ready will make the process faster and help you avoid missing anything important.
☐ Full legal name (as it appears on official documents)
☐ Current address
☐ Date of birth
☐ Previous names (maiden name, former married names)
☐ Current marital status (single/married/de facto/divorced/widowed)
☐ Spouse or partner’s full legal name
☐ Children’s full names and dates of birth
☐ Stepchildren you wish to include
☐ Grandchildren (if leaving anything directly to them)
☐ Any dependants who rely on you financially
☐ Any family members with special needs or disabilities
☐ Any family members you’re specifically excluding (and your reasons)
☐ Completed Asset Inventory Checklist (or equivalent list)
☐ How property is owned (sole name, joint tenants, tenants in common)
☐ Superannuation fund details and current nominations
☐ Any assets held in trusts
☐ Business ownership details
People or organisations who will receive something:
☐ Full legal names of all intended beneficiaries
☐ Relationship to you
☐ Current contact details or addresses
☐ Charities — correct legal name and ABN if known
☐ What each beneficiary should receive (specific items or percentage of estate)
☐ Backup beneficiaries if your first choice can’t inherit
The person who will administer your estate:
☐ Who do you want as executor?
☐ Full legal name and contact details
☐ Have you asked them if they’re willing?
☐ Backup executor if first choice can’t act
☐ Professional executor (solicitor/trustee company) if preferred
If you have children under 18:
☐ Who should raise your children if both parents die?
☐ Full legal name and contact details
☐ Have you discussed this with them?
☐ Backup guardian if first choice can’t act
☐ Does the other parent agree with your choice?
Particular items going to particular people:
☐ List of specific items and who receives each
☐ Items with sentimental value — who gets what
☐ Family heirlooms
☐ Pets — who will care for them
☐ Any conditions on gifts (e.g., age beneficiary must reach)
☐ Funeral wishes (burial/cremation, service preferences)
☐ Organ donation wishes
☐ Any existing will that needs to be revoked
☐ Photo ID
☐ Property titles or mortgage statements
☐ Superannuation statements
☐ Life insurance policies
☐ Any existing will, codicil, or estate planning documents
☐ Pre-nuptial or financial agreements
☐ Divorce or separation documents
☐ Who gets the house? (If leaving to multiple people, will they need to sell?)
☐ Equal or unequal shares between children?
☐ What happens if a beneficiary dies before you?
☐ Do you want to leave anything to charity?
☐ Does your super go through your will or direct to a nominee?
With this information gathered, you’re ready to create your will.
This checklist is for preparation purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.