Why So Many Australians Delay Writing a Will—And Why You Shouldn’t!

At our firm, we’ve noticed two common reasons people finally decide to get their will drawn up:

  1. They’re about to go on holiday—overseas or within Australia.
  2. They’ve seen first-hand the stress of dealing with a loved one’s estate without a will.

Both situations are wake-up calls—reminders of how unpredictable life can be. Yet still, most Australians don’t have a valid will in place.

Let’s take a look at why people delay it, what happens if you don’t have one, and why now is the best time to get it sorted.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

When someone dies without a valid will, the law takes over. In Queensland, the Succession Act 1981 (Qld) determines who inherits your estate—not you.

That means:

  • Your estate may not go to the people you would have chosen.
  • You don’t get to appoint an executor or guardians for your children.
  • There’s no way for your personal wishes to be legally recognised.

To make matters worse, someone will have to step forward and apply to the Court to be legally allowed to manage your estate. This adds stress, delays, and extra costs—often right when your family is grieving.

Why Travel Sparks Action

We get a lot of will enquiries from people heading off on holidays. It might be a big overseas trip or a short break within Australia—but the thought is always the same:

“What if something happens while I’m away?”

Travel makes us consider the unexpected. Flights, road trips, and cruises all carry risk—even small ones—and people naturally want the peace of mind that comes from knowing things are in order at home.

Having a will in place means you can leave with confidence, knowing your loved ones are protected, no matter what.

The Harsh Reality of Dying Without a Will

We also hear from clients who’ve recently lost someone—and had to go through the complex and emotional task of managing an estate without a will.

They’ve dealt with:

  • Family disagreements
  • Long delays in accessing assets
  • Legal costs they didn’t expect
  • Many leave our office saying, “I’m not letting this happen to my family.” It’s a painful experience—but a powerful motivator.

So Why Do Most Australians Still Delay It?

The main reason? Life gets in the way.

We all tell ourselves we’ll “get around to it.” But the truth is, there’s never a perfect time—and putting it off can come at a high cost.

Fortunately, the process is easier than most people think. We offer a friendly, straightforward service that guides you every step of the way.

Getting Your Will Done Is Simple—And So Important

Whether you’re travelling soon, you’ve just been through a loss, or you’ve simply realised it’s time—we’re here to help.

A professionally prepared will is more than a legal document. It’s an act of care for the people you love, and a way to ensure your voice is heard when it matters most.

✅ Ready to get started?

📞 Call us today on 0733504417 or fill out our online form on our contact us page.
Let’s make sure your wishes—and your loved ones—are protected.

Categories