Going overseas? 3 steps to get your will in order
This month’s guide is from wills & estates lawyer, Angelica Brigandi, who focuses on helping clients navigate wills and estates with clarity and care.
Most people don’t spend much time thinking about their will. It’s one of those things that gets pushed down the list - usually because it feels a bit complicated, a bit uncomfortable, or just not urgent.
In practice, we find that once people start the process, it’s much less daunting than they expect. It becomes less about ‘legal documents’ and more about making a few clear decisions and recording them properly.
If you’re planning to travel overseas, it’s a good time to pause and make sure everything is up to date. It’s not about expecting the worst but knowing things are in order before you go.
This guide gives you a clear idea of what’s involved and what to expect, so you can get it sorted without overthinking it.
Before we meet: getting started
Getting started is straightforward. Most people reach out over the phone or online and submit a quick enquiry to book a time to meet.
To make the most of our time together, we’ll ask you to complete an online questionnaire beforehand. This helps us to understand your situation in advance so that we can focus on what matters when we meet.
If you’re not yet sure what to include in your will, that’s completely fine. A lot of people come in at that stage - we talk it through with you and help you work it out.
If you’re travelling soon, the key is getting started early enough that everything is in place before you go.
Step 1: Your first appointment
This is usually the point where people realise it’s not as overwhelming as they thought.
The appointment runs for about 45–60 minutes and can be in person or via video call.
We’ll go through:
Your family and who’s important in your life
What you own
Who you’d like to appoint as your executor
Who you want to receive your assets
Any specific wishes you want reflected
If you have children, we’ll also talk about guardianship and what that might look like.
It’s a conversation, not a checklist. We guide you through it and explain things as we go. If something isn’t clear, ask - there’s no expectation that you already understand any of this.
What to bring
There’s no need to over-prepare.
If you have them handy, it helps to bring:
Photo ID
A rough idea of your assets
Any superannuation or insurance details you know
Names of the people you want to include in your will
If you don’t have all of that, don’t let it slow you down. We can work with what you have and fill in the gaps later.
Step 2: We prepare your will
After the appointment, we prepare your will based on your instructions.
This is where we do the detailed work behind the scenes - making sure everything is legally valid, clearly written, and structured in a way that will work when it’s needed.
We also flag anything you might not have considered and raise it with you if it’s relevant.
In some cases, we may suggest options like testamentary trusts or other structures. If we do, we’ll explain them in a practical way so that you can decide whether they’re right for you.
Step 3: Review and sign
Once your draft will is ready, we send it to you to review by email, post, or both.
You can take your time going through it and let us know if anything doesn’t look right or if you want to make changes - that’s a normal part of the process.
If needed, we can walk you through the document before you sign so you feel comfortable with everything.
When you’re ready, we arrange a signing appointment and answer any final questions before you sign with proper witnessing.
What you receive
At the end of the process, you’ll have:
A validly signed will
Any additional documents (if prepared)
Clear guidance on what to do next
We also talk about storage. We offer complimentary storage of your original will so you don’t have to worry about it being misplaced or damaged.
You’ll receive copies for your records, and clear instructions so that your executors know where the original is kept and how to access it when needed.
Timeframes
Most wills are completed within a relatively short timeframe once we have your instructions.
As a guide, the process takes around 3 to 4 weeks from our end, sometimes longer if you have more complex asset structures like SMSFs and trusts. This allows time to properly prepare your documents, make any changes, and finalise everything for your signature.
If you’re travelling soon, let us know early. We can usually work within tighter timeframes where needed.
Not sure where to start?
Frequently asked questions
Can I change it later?
Yes. Your will can be updated whenever your circumstances change, as long you have testamentary capapacity (being the legal capacity to make a will). Updating a will usually takes the form of making a new will.
Do I need to update my will regularly?
Not regularly, but it’s worth reviewing after major life events or before significant travel.
What happens if I don’t have a will?
Your estate will be dealt with in accordance with the default estate plan set out under legislation, which may not reflect your wishes.
Why getting this sorted before you travel matters
Before heading overseas, most people focus on flights, accommodation, and packing.
Taking some time to get your will in order is one of the most important things you can do before you leave.
It means that if something unexpected does happen, the people around you aren’t left trying to work things out.
And once it’s done, it’s done - one less thing to think about while you’re away.
Get your will in place with clear, practical advice.