Estate planning checklist for Australians: is everything in order?

Last reviewed

Short answer

Most Australians need five things in order: a current will, an enduring power of attorney, an advance care directive, valid super beneficiary nominations, and a clear record of accounts and wishes that the right people can find. Review them every few years and after big life events.

Key facts

  • A plan only helps if people can find it.
  • Review after marriage, separation, a new child, a house purchase, retirement or a move interstate.
  • Lapsing binding super nominations often expire after three years.
  • Talk to the people you appoint. It is better they hear it from you.

Legal documents

  • A current, signed and witnessed will, with an executor and a backup.
  • An enduring power of attorney for money and property.
  • An enduring guardian or equivalent for personal and health decisions, where your state uses one.
  • An advance care directive shared with your GP.
  • Guardians named for children under 18.

Money and assets

  • Super: a valid beneficiary nomination for every fund, and its expiry date.
  • Life insurance, inside and outside super, and who the beneficiaries are.
  • A list of bank accounts, investments, property and debts.
  • How property is owned: joint tenants or tenants in common.
  • Business interests, family trusts and the documents that control them.
  • Crypto and other digital assets, with recovery instructions.

People and wishes

  • Funeral, burial or cremation wishes, and organ donation registration.
  • Letters to family, if you want to leave them.
  • Care instructions for your pets and who will take them.
  • Contacts: solicitor, accountant, financial adviser, GP.

Digital life

  • Legacy settings on Facebook, Google and Apple.
  • How your family can reach your email and phone number for account recovery.
  • A list of subscriptions to cancel.

Can people find it?

  • Your executor knows where the original will is.
  • Your attorney has a copy of the enduring power of attorney.
  • Your GP, hospital and family have your advance care directive.
  • Someone you trust can reach your list of accounts and wishes.

Common questions

How often should I review my estate plan?

Every three to five years, and after any major life event such as marriage, separation, a new child, retirement, a large purchase or a move interstate.

What is the most commonly forgotten item?

Super nominations. Many people don’t realise that super doesn’t pass under their will, or that their binding nomination expired.

Do young people need an estate plan?

Yes. Accidents and illness can happen at any age. An enduring power of attorney, a super nomination and a simple will are useful for any adult.

Sources and official help

These guides are general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws differ between states and territories and change over time. Speak to a solicitor or your state or territory public trustee about your situation.