In short: we charge a fixed fee for a straightforward will, while a will with a testamentary trust or more complex family, business or superannuation needs costs more. At Southern Waters Legal, we quote your fixed fee upfront at your initial consultation — before any work begins.
One of the first questions people ask when they think about making a will is a fair one: how much will it cost? The honest answer: it depends. But you deserve to understand what drives the price — and how to avoid paying far more down the track. Here’s a clear guide for anyone making a will in New South Wales.
What actually affects the cost of a will
A will is not a one-size-fits-all document. The price reflects how complex your situation is and how much protection you want to build in. The main factors are:
- How straightforward your wishes are. A simple will leaving everything to your partner or children costs less than one with multiple beneficiaries, specific gifts or conditions.
- Whether you need a testamentary trust. Building a trust into your will (to protect assets, provide for children, or improve tax outcomes for your beneficiaries) adds complexity — but can be very worthwhile for the right person.
- Your family structure. Blended families, second marriages, or providing for a vulnerable or dependent beneficiary require more careful drafting to reduce the risk of a dispute later.
- Business and superannuation. If you own a business or have significant super, your plan usually needs to address business succession and a binding death benefit nomination — not just the will itself.
- The rest of your estate plan. Most people also need an Enduring Power of Attorney and an Appointment of Enduring Guardian. These are often prepared together with your will.
Why the cheapest option often costs the most
DIY will kits and $50 online templates are tempting. But if a will is unclear, incorrectly signed, or doesn’t suit your circumstances, someone can challenge it — or a court can rule it invalid, leaving your estate to be distributed as if you’d made no will at all. Fixing a poorly made will can be costly. A family dispute after you’re gone costs even more. Either one dwarfs the cost of getting it right the first time. A properly prepared will is one of the best-value legal documents you will ever buy.
How our fixed-fee wills work
At Southern Waters Legal we believe in transparency. We offer fixed-fee will preparation, so you know exactly what you’ll pay before any work begins. At your initial consultation we take the time to understand your situation, explain the right approach for you, and give you a clear fee for the work. There are no surprises — you decide with the full picture in front of you.
Because every estate is different, we price a straightforward will differently from a full estate plan with a testamentary trust. But in every case, you get certainty on the fee up front, and experienced solicitors prepare your will — including Accredited Specialists in Wills and Estates, the highest formal recognition for this area of law in NSW.
What you’re really paying for
A professionally prepared will does far more than divide your assets. It can protect your beneficiaries, reduce the risk of a challenge, nominate guardians for your children, and give your family certainty at a difficult time. That peace of mind — knowing your family can carry out your wishes exactly as you intended — is what the fee delivers.
Speak with our Estate Planning team
Our lawyers, including two Accredited Specialists in Wills & Estates, help families across the Sutherland Shire and Sydney. Call (02) 9523 5535 or enquire online.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different — please seek advice specific to your circumstances.
