Most of us spend our lives building things — relationships, homes, collections of objects that mean something. And most of us spend very little time thinking about what happens to all of it after we die.
That's understandable. But having a plan in place is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. It means they're not left making difficult decisions while they're grieving. It means your wishes are known and respected. And it means the things you've worked for end up where you actually want them.
Please note: this article offers general information only. For advice specific to your situation, we recommend speaking with a solicitor or your state's public trustee.
What a will is — and why it matters
A will is a legal document that records your wishes for what happens to your assets after you die — your property, money, belongings, and anything else of value.
Without a will, your estate is distributed according to a legal formula that may have nothing to do with what you would have wanted. This is called dying intestate, and it can cause real difficulties and conflict for the people left behind — on top of everything else they're already dealing with.
A will lets you decide who receives what. The people you name are called beneficiaries, and you can choose anyone — family members, close friends, or organisations that matter to you.
Your will also names an executor: the person responsible for carrying out your wishes. This is an important role, and it's worth choosing someone you trust completely and having an honest conversation with them about it beforehand.
What to include in your will
Beyond assets and beneficiaries, a well-considered will might also include:
Your wishes for your funeral or memorial
Guardianship arrangements for any children under 18
Specific gifts of meaningful objects to specific people
Any charitable donations you'd like to make
Instructions for pets
Wills can be updated at any time — and should be reviewed after major life changes like marriage, divorce, the birth of a grandchild, or a significant change in your assets.
Beyond the will: powers of attorney
Estate planning isn't only about what happens after you die. It's also about making sure the right people can act on your behalf if you're ever unable to make decisions yourself — whether temporarily or permanently.
Two documents matter here:
Enduring Power of Attorney (financial): Appoints someone to manage your financial affairs — bank accounts, property, bills — if you lose capacity.
Enduring Power of Attorney (medical) / Advance Care Directive: Appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf, and records your wishes about the kind of care you do and don't want. This is sometimes called a medical power of attorney, enduring guardianship, or an advance care directive, depending on your state.
These documents are separate from your will and come into effect while you are still alive. Without them, the people who love you most may have no legal authority to act on your behalf in a crisis.
When to start
The honest answer is: sooner than you think you need to.
Estate planning isn't only for older people or people who are unwell. It's for anyone who has people in their life they want to protect. Starting early means you're making decisions from a place of calm, not urgency — and that makes for much better decisions.
If a diagnosis or a change in health has brought this into focus, that's a very good reason to act now.
Where to get help
A solicitor can prepare your will and powers of attorney. If cost is a concern, your state's public trustee offers will-writing services, often at low or no cost. Some community legal centres also provide assistance.
If you're also thinking about your wishes for care and what matters most to you in the last stage of life, the Violet Care Compass is a good place to explore those questions — and a Violet Guide can help you think through what conversations you might need to have, and with whom.
Explore the Violet Care Compass →
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