Digital platforms have simplified many aspects of modern life — including estate planning. As online will-writing services become more accessible, many Australians now ask an important question: Are Online Wills Legal in Australia?

The short answer is yes, they can be — but only if they meet strict legal requirements. Understanding where online wills work well, where they fall short, and what risks to watch for can help prevent serious complications for your loved ones later.

What makes a will legally valid in Australia?

Whether a will is created online, by hand, or with a solicitor, the law focuses on execution — not the format.

For a will to be legally valid in Australia, it must generally:

• Be in writing (typed or handwritten)

• Be signed by the testator (the person making the will)

• Be witnessed by two adults, present at the same time

• Be signed by those witnesses

Online will services usually provide templates or guided questionnaires, but they do not bypass these requirements. Printing, signing, and witnessing the document correctly is essential.

So when people ask Are Online Wills Legal in Australia, the real answer is: they are legal only if they are executed properly.

What online will platforms actually provide

Online will services typically offer:

• Step-by-step prompts to create a will

• Standardised clauses

• Downloadable or printable documents

What they usually do not provide:

• Personal legal advice

• Review of complex family arrangements

• Guidance on tax or estate disputes

• Tailored solutions for unusual assets

This distinction matters. The platform helps you write a will — but you are responsible for ensuring it is legally sound and appropriate for your situation.

Common risks with online wills

While online wills can be convenient, they are also one of the most common sources of probate disputes. Some of the main risks include:

Incorrect witnessing

Wills are frequently invalidated because witnesses:

• Were not present at the same time

• Were beneficiaries (which can void gifts)

• Did not sign correctly

Ambiguous or unclear clauses

Template language may not reflect your true intention, especially if:

• You want unequal distributions

• You have stepchildren or blended families

• You are excluding a close relative

Ambiguity invites challenges.

Lack of legal advice

Online platforms cannot assess whether your will is likely to be contested or whether it adequately provides for eligible persons under Australian family provision laws.

Overlooking complex assets

Commonly missed issues include:

• Superannuation (which does not automatically form part of your estate)

• Overseas property

• Business interests

• Trusts or jointly held assets

These omissions often surface only after death — when it is too late to fix them.

Understanding Are Online Wills Legal in Australia includes recognising that legality does not equal suitability.

When online wills may be appropriate

Online wills can work well in limited circumstances, particularly when an estate is very straightforward.

They may be suitable for:

• Simple estates

• Single beneficiaries

• No children or dependants

• No blended family dynamics

• No business or overseas assets

• Clear, equal distributions

In these cases, an online will — if properly signed and witnessed — can be legally effective.

When legal advice is strongly recommended

Online wills are not ideal for more complex situations. Legal advice is strongly recommended if you have:

• A blended family

• Children from previous relationships

• Stepchildren you wish to include

• A de facto relationship

• Unequal distributions

• Significant assets

• A wish to exclude someone who might expect inheritance

In these cases, a solicitor can help structure your will in a way that reduces the risk of dispute and ensures your intentions are legally defensible.

Courts and informal or digital wills

Australian courts do have limited power to accept informal wills — including unsigned or digital documents — if there is clear evidence of intention. However, this process is:

• Uncertain

• Expensive

• Emotionally draining for families

Relying on the court to “fix” an invalid online will places unnecessary burden on loved ones.

Understanding Are Online Wills Legal in Australia helps people avoid assuming flexibility that may not exist.

The impact of invalid or unclear wills

At Black Tulip Funerals, we often see families dealing with unnecessary stress because a will:

• Was invalid

• Was unclear

• Did not reflect current relationships

These issues can lead to:

• Delayed funerals or estate administration

• Costly legal disputes

• Long-term family conflict

What was meant to simplify matters can unintentionally create hardship.

A steady, practical reminder

Online wills are not inherently bad — but they are not universally appropriate. The key question is not just Are Online Wills Legal in Australia, but are they right for your situation?

Convenience should never outweigh clarity when it comes to your legacy.

A thoughtful conclusion

So, Are Online Wills Legal in Australia?
Yes — if they meet legal requirements and accurately reflect a simple situation.

But legality alone is not enough. A will should provide certainty, reduce conflict, and protect the people you care about.

If there is any complexity in your life — and for many people, there is — professional advice is not an unnecessary cost. It is an investment in peace of mind for those you leave behind.