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Australian Law: Wills and Estates Toolkit

Legally Insightful · Australian legal guides · Sources checked 4 November 2026

Plain-English Australian legal information to help you organise the next step.

Wills & Estates Toolkit

Dealing with a death or getting your own affairs in order? Choose your state or territory for an interactive after-death checklist, local probate information, planning documents and official resources.

Choose a starting point

  • Someone has died: open the local checklist to organise documents, contacts and questions.
  • You are an executor: review the local court process and check what authority asset holders require.
  • There is no will: use the local estate resources before deciding who can act or inherit.
  • You are planning ahead: review wills and the decision-making documents used in your jurisdiction.

Which state or territory should I choose?

Start with the place connected to the estate or your planning needs. Residence alone may not settle which rules apply. If assets, documents or family circumstances span jurisdictions, obtain advice about the relevant law and any additional grant or reseal.

How the checklists work

Tick tasks as you work through them. Progress is stored in your browser when available, with a separate checklist for each jurisdiction. No names or estate details are requested. You can reset ticks or use your browser’s Print option. The lists help you organise work; they do not determine legal rights or replace professional advice.

About these resources

Each toolkit links to official court, government or legal-aid information. Processes, forms and fees can change, so check the linked source before taking action. Seek individual advice for disputes, uncertain deadlines, complex family arrangements or cross-border estates.

General information, not legal advice. This guide cannot determine your legal rights or whether a document or application is valid. Check the linked official guidance and obtain advice for your circumstances.

Browse the detailed state and territory guides

Choose the jurisdiction relevant to your circumstances. General information only, not legal advice. Rules differ between jurisdictions; seek individual legal advice before acting.

Planning ahead in Queensland? See the will preparation checklist.

Practical questions about estate money and authority

These Australian guides explain common points of confusion, with fictional examples, preparation checklists and links to official resources. General information only—not advice about your estate.

State laws, account arrangements and fund rules can differ. Obtain qualified advice before acting.

Consumer Rights: purchases, warranties and complaints

Organise the facts before contacting a business. These Australian guides explain common consumer questions and include evidence checklists and an editable complaint letter.

General information only—not legal advice. These resources do not decide your entitlement, classify a fault or calculate a deadline. Check current ACCC guidance and obtain advice about your circumstances. The complaint template does not send a complaint or save your edits.

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