Writing a Will

To have a valid will, you must:

• Be over 18 years of age
• Put the will in writing, and date it
• Revoke any former will
• Sign the will, and have your signature witnessed by two witnesses who are present at the time you sign. The witnesses you choose should not be people who you are leaving things to in the will.

An executor is the person you appoint to be in charge of carrying out your wishes in the will. You can have two executors if you wish.

If your wishes are relatively simple - for example you wish to leave a few set items to named people and the rest (the residue) of your estate to a partner, you may be able to write your will without legal assistance. You can do this by:

• purchasing a Will Kit from a newsagency; or
• by using the simple form set down in the Redfern Legal Centre Law Handbook.

If your financial affairs are more complicated or you own anything valuable you should consult a lawyer and get them to draw the will up for you.