Are the wills that are at the Post Office valid?

Are the wills that are at the Post Office valid?

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Aussie Legal Forums › Forums › Wills & Estate Planning Forum › Are the wills that are at the Post Office valid?

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  • Vando
    Vando April 29, 2025 at 1:51 am

    I need to do a will as I have children now. Are the wills at the post office valid? My friend had his done at his solicitor and it cost $600. I am wanting a cheaper option. Thanks.

    V

    MV
    MV April 30, 2025 at 1:17 am

    Hi Vando.
    I have seen the DIY wills that are sometimes shown at Post Office branches. The wills themselves are in a valid format.
    The issue with DIY wills is that not everyone reads the instructions and signs the wills correctly. If no-one checks a will that is not signed properly, then if you pass away, then the will may not be accepted by the Court for Probate.
    The most common ways in which DIY wills are found to be invalid are:
    1. The will is not signed on all pages by the will maker and 2 independent witnesses.
    2. The will was not signed by the will maker and the 2 witnesses using the same pen.
    3. There is only 1 witness.
    4. The witness is also an executor or beneficiary.
    Most wills are relatively straightforward and only run to 1 or 2 pages. Just follow the instructions and you should be OK.
    You can also shop around and find a DIY will provider that has a help line to answer questions. The Post Office wills don’t offer this, I believe.
    Kind regards,

    AussieLegal Moderator

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