How to Prepare Before Meeting a Lawyer for Your Will
Getting your will drafted is a meaningful step to make sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are looked after when you’re gone.
But before you meet with a lawyer for a will near you, it’s worth spending some time preparing the right information.
Doing so can make your appointment more efficient, help you ask the right questions, and ensure your will reflects your intentions clearly.
Know what assets you own
One of the first things your lawyer will ask is what you own and how it’s held. Take time to list your assets or properties, including:
- Real estate (your home, investment properties, land)
- Bank accounts
- Shares and investments
- Superannuation
- Vehicles
- Business interests
- Personal valuables (jewellery, art, collections)
Also, note if any assets are jointly owned or held in a trust or company. Some of these may fall outside your estate, which your lawyer will explain during the meeting.
Key takeaway: A clear asset list saves time and helps your lawyer identify what can and can’t be gifted in your will.
Think about your beneficiaries
Consider who you’d like to leave your estate to. This may include:
- Your spouse or partner
- Children or stepchildren
- Siblings, parents, or extended family
- Friends or carers
- Charities or causes you support
It also helps to think about how you want to divide your estate. Would it be shared equally? Would some receive specific items or set amounts? If your children are young, consider at what age you’d like them to receive their inheritance.
Key takeaway: Having your beneficiaries in mind allows your lawyer to tailor your will to suit your family dynamics and wishes.
Choose an executor you trust
The executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will.
Their duties include applying for probate, collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate. You can appoint more than one executor, and they don’t need to be a lawyer.
You should choose someone reliable, organised, and willing to take on the responsibility. It’s also helpful to check with them first, so they’re not caught off guard.
Key takeaway: Picking the right executor means your estate will be handled smoothly and in line with your wishes.
Consider guardianship for your children
If you have children under 18, your will is where you can nominate a guardian. This doesn’t guarantee the person will be appointed, but it shows the court your wishes and can guide the decision.
Talk to the person you plan to nominate beforehand. It’s a big responsibility, and you want to make sure they’re willing and capable.
Key takeaway: Naming a guardian provides clarity and reassurance for your children’s future care.
Prepare supporting documents
To help your lawyer draft a legally sound will, bring along documents that confirm your identity, assets, and relationships. These may include:
- Driver’s licence or passport
- Property title or mortgage documents
- Bank and investment account statements
- Superannuation details
- Business ownership records
- Marriage or divorce certificates
- Birth certificates of your children
You don’t need to bring originals, but having copies can help your lawyer spot any potential legal or tax implications early.
Key takeaway: The more prepared you are with documentation, the smoother and faster the will-drafting process will be.
Make a list of questions or concerns
Wills can bring up a range of legal and personal issues. You might be wondering:
- How do I protect my estate from claims?
- What happens if someone I’ve named passes away before me?
- Can I exclude a family member?
- What happens to superannuation and life insurance?
Jot down your questions ahead of time so you don’t forget to ask during the meeting.
Key takeaway: Preparing your questions in advance ensures you leave the meeting with peace of mind and clear answers.
Meeting with a lawyer for a will near you doesn’t need to be daunting. By gathering key information, thinking through your choices, and arriving prepared, you’ll help your lawyer create a document that reflects your intentions and protects your loved ones.
Taking this step also gives you the chance to review your current plans and put everything in order—something your future self (and your family) will thank you for.
