Simple Will Lawyers Perth
Protecting your family starts with a properly drafted will.
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✓ Established 1983 | ✓ East Perth based | ✓ Multiple ★★★★★ Google Reviews | ✓ Free Discovery Phone Call | ✓ Fixed-Fee Simple Wills
Professionally Drafted Wills From $880
Whether you need a straightforward will or a more complex document to manage a business, blended family, or significant assets, Clairs Keeley Lawyers drafts wills that are legally sound, clear, and tailored to your circumstances. We explain your options in plain English and make the process simple — so you can have peace of mind knowing your family and assets are protected.
Emily Dalwood
A sincere thank you to Randika and team, who recently helped my husband and I prepare our Wills. As parents… Read more “Emily Dalwood”
Julie Britten
Our Thanks to Randika for help with estate planning . Excellent service
Linda Lombardi
Thank you Randika and Clairs Keeley for your help and advice with our estate planning. Randika was understanding of our… Read more “Linda Lombardi”
Andrew Boulton
During the rather stressful period following our father’s passing earlier this year, Randika helped us quickly obtain probate and was… Read more “Andrew Boulton”
S Samuelraj
After our first conversation with our lawyer Randika in relation to a complex estate matter had my wife and I… Read more “S Samuelraj”
Mark Kaminski
First rate service , second time using them for Wills, and Guardianship etc for parents & myself, could not ask… Read more “Mark Kaminski”
Graham Billson
I was tasked with settling my mother’s 20 year old estate, which was by no means either a straight forward… Read more “Graham Billson”
Simple Wills Perth
A simple will is the most common type of will and is suitable for most people with straightforward circumstances. It sets out your wishes clearly and ensures your estate is managed and distributed by the people you choose.
What a Simple Will Covers
- Appointing your executor(s) — the person or people you trust to manage your estate after you pass away. Your executor collects your assets, pays any debts, and distributes your estate to your beneficiaries.
- Distributing your assets — who receives what, including your home, savings, superannuation death benefits (where applicable), investments, vehicles, and personal possessions. You can leave specific gifts to specific people or divide your estate in percentages.
- Naming a guardian for minor children — if you have children under 18, your will nominates the person you want to care for them if something happens to you. Without this, the court decides.
- Contingency provisions — what happens if your primary beneficiary passes away before you. For example, if your spouse predeceases you, your will can direct assets to your children instead.
- Funeral wishes — while not legally binding, including your preferences for burial, cremation, or memorial gives your family guidance during a difficult time.
Who Is a Simple Will Suitable For?
A simple will is generally appropriate if:
- Your estate consists mainly of a family home, superannuation, bank accounts, and personal belongings.
- You want to leave everything (or most things) to your spouse, partner, or children.
- You do not own a business or have complex financial structures.
- Your family situation is straightforward — no blended families, no dependants with special needs, no estranged relationships that may lead to a dispute.
- You do not need asset protection for your beneficiaries (e.g. from a future relationship breakdown or creditors).
Even if your estate is modest, dying without a will means the WA intestacy rules decide who gets what — and the result may not reflect your wishes at all.
Why a Professionally Drafted Will Matters
DIY will kits, online templates, and handwritten wills are available, but they are one of the most common sources of problems we see in our deceased estates practice. The money saved upfront is almost always dwarfed by the cost, delay, and family conflict that follows when something goes wrong.
Common Problems with DIY and Template Wills
- Improper execution — the Wills Act 1970 (WA) requires specific formalities for a will to be valid, including signing in the presence of two witnesses who are both present at the same time. Getting this wrong can render the entire will invalid.
- Ambiguous language — unclear wording is one of the leading causes of will disputes. What seems obvious to you may be interpreted differently by a court. Professional drafting eliminates ambiguity.
- Failing to account for all assets — DIY wills often miss superannuation, insurance policies, jointly held assets, and assets held in trusts. These are dealt with differently and may not pass under your will at all unless specific steps are taken.
- No consideration of tax or Centrelink implications — a professionally drafted will considers the flow-on effects for your beneficiaries, including potential impacts on their tax position, government benefits, and asset protection.
- Not addressing what happens if circumstances change — what if a beneficiary dies before you? What if you divorce? What if your executor can’t act? A well-drafted will includes contingency provisions for these scenarios.
- Increased risk of challenge — a will prepared without legal advice is more vulnerable to claims under the Family Provision Act 1972 (WA), particularly if someone has been left out or received less than expected.
What a Clairs Keeley Will Includes That a DIY Kit Doesn’t
- Consultation to understand your full circumstances.
- Advice on the best will structure for your situation.
- Professionally drafted will compliant with the Wills Act 1970 (WA).
- Consideration of how your will interacts with superannuation and other documents.
- Proper witnessing for valid execution.
- Safe storage of your original will (if required).
- Peace of mind knowing your will is legally sound and clear.
Not Sure What You Need? Let's Work It Out Together.
Not sure if you need a simple will, complex will, or something else? Our free discovery call will help us recommend the best option for you.
When A Simple Will is Not Enough
If your circumstances mirror any of the circumstances listed below a more complex will is required. For example
- You own a business with succession needs.
- You have a blended family with competing interests.
- You hold assets in multiple states or overseas.
- You want to place conditions on gifts.
- You have a beneficiary with special needs.
- You have complex financial arrangements.
- Your will may be contested.
Our Will Process
Step 1 - Free Discovery Call
A quick call to understand your situation, explain will options, and provide a fixed-fee quote. No obligation.
Step 2 - Detailed Consultation
We meet to discuss your assets, family, and concerns, asking key questions you may not have thought of.
Step 3 - Drafting and Review
We draft your will, explain every clause in plain English, and make any necessary changes before the final version.
Step 4 - Signing Appointment
We arrange a signing appointment with proper witnessing to ensure your will is legally valid.
Life Events That Should Trigger a Will Review
- Getting married — marriage revokes your will in WA.
- Entering a de facto relationship — your partner may have intestacy rights.
- Separating or divorcing — update your will to prevent your ex from inheriting.
- Having or adopting a child — nominate a guardian and update provisions.
- Buying property — property may require a grant to transfer.
- Starting a business — update for business succession planning.
- Receiving an inheritance or financial change — update your estate.
- A beneficiary or executor passing away — update your will.
- Your health changing — get your will in order if diagnosed with a serious illness.
- Turning 18 — anyone with assets or dependants should make a will.
- Retiring or approaching retirement — reflect changes in financial and superannuation arrangements.
- Moving to or from WA — a will from another state may not comply with WA law.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Western Australia?
If you die without a valid will (called dying “intestate”), your estate is distributed according to a fixed set of rules under the Administration Act 1903 (WA). You have no say in who receives what, who manages your estate, or who looks after your children.
What this means in practice:
- Your assets go where the law directs, not where you want. Your spouse may not receive everything, your children may inherit at an age you consider too young, and a long-term partner who is not your legal spouse may need to prove their relationship to the court.
- No one can act on your estate until the court appoints an administrator. This requires a Letters of Administration application — a more complex and expensive process than probate when there is a will.
- You cannot nominate a guardian for your children. The court will decide who looks after your minor children, and it may not be the person you would have chosen.
- Your business may be at risk. Without a succession plan in your will, your business may need to be wound down or sold, even if that is not what your family wants.
- Family disputes are far more likely. Intestacy is one of the leading causes of estate disputes in WA, particularly in blended families.
The simplest way to avoid all of this is to have a properly drafted, up-to-date will.
Our Will Packages
We offer fixed-fee will packages with no hidden costs. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before you commit.
- Individual Simple Will
Includes: consultation, professionally drafted will, signing appointment, and proper witnessing. - Couples Mirror Wills
Two matching simple wills for partners with the same wishes. Includes: consultation, two professionally drafted wills, joint signing appointment. - Complex Will
Includes: detailed consultation, professionally drafted will for your specific circumstances (business succession, blended family, etc.), signing appointment. Final fee quoted after discovery call. - Testamentary Trust Will
Includes everything in a complex will, plus one or more testamentary trusts tailored to your needs. Final fee quoted after consultation. - Will + Enduring Power of Attorney + Enduring Power of Guardianship
Includes: will plus essential powers of attorney documents. Protects your family if you die or lose capacity.
All packages include: Free discovery call, professional drafting, plain-English explanation of every clause, signing appointment with proper witnessing, and one round of amendments before signing.
Why Perth Families Choose Clairs Keeley for Their Wills
- Fixed-fee pricing with no surprises — we quote upfront so you know exactly what your will costs before we start.
- Over 16 years of experience — our team has drafted hundreds of wills and understands the nuances of WA estate law.
- We see what goes wrong — as practising deceased estates lawyers, we handle probate, letters of administration, and will disputes. We know exactly what causes problems after someone dies and draft your will to avoid those issues.
- Plain-English explanations — we explain every clause so you understand what you’re signing and why it matters.
- Holistic approach — we don’t just draft a will in isolation. We consider your superannuation, powers of attorney, business interests, and broader estate plan to ensure everything works together.
- Compassionate, personal service — we understand that making a will involves thinking about difficult topics. We make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
- East Perth location — Ground Floor, 2 Brook Street, East Perth, with phone and video consultations also available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills
How much does a will cost in Perth?
The cost depends on the type of will you need. A simple will at Clairs Keeley starts from $880. Complex wills and testamentary trust wills are quoted after a free discovery call based on your specific circumstances. All our wills are fixed-fee — no hourly billing.
How long does it take to get a will done?
A simple will typically takes 1 to 2 weeks from your initial call to the signing appointment. Complex wills may take slightly longer. If your matter is urgent, let us know and we will prioritise it.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in WA?
It is not a legal requirement, but a professionally drafted will is significantly less likely to contain errors, be challenged, or fail to achieve your intentions. We regularly see DIY wills that have caused expensive problems for families. The cost of a professional will is a fraction of the cost of fixing problems later.
What makes a will legally valid in Western Australia?
Under the Wills Act 1970 (WA), a will must be in writing, signed by the testator (or by someone at the testator’s direction), and witnessed by two people who are both present at the time of signing. The witnesses must not be beneficiaries under the will or the spouses of beneficiaries. We ensure full compliance during the signing appointment.
Does marriage revoke my will?
Yes, in most cases. Under WA law, marriage generally revokes an existing will unless the will was made in contemplation of that specific marriage. If you have married since making your will, you should get a new will as a matter of urgency.
Does divorce revoke my will?
Divorce does not revoke your will entirely, but it does revoke any appointment of your former spouse as executor or beneficiary (unless the will shows a contrary intention). Separation, however, has no automatic effect — your will remains fully in force until you change it.
Can I make a will if I am under 18?
In Western Australia, you generally need to be 18 or older to make a valid will. There are limited exceptions for minors who are married or who obtain court approval.
What is the difference between a simple will and a complex will?
A simple will covers the essentials — appointing executors, distributing assets, naming guardians. A complex will addresses more complicated circumstances such as business succession, blended families, assets in multiple jurisdictions, testamentary trusts, or conditions on gifts. We recommend the right type during your free discovery call.
What is a testamentary trust and do I need one?
A testamentary trust is a trust created within your will that only comes into effect when you die. It can provide tax advantages, asset protection for beneficiaries, and control over how and when assets are distributed. It is particularly useful for families with young children, beneficiaries with special needs, or those wanting to protect an inheritance from a beneficiary’s future creditors or relationship breakdown.
Can I store my will with Clairs Keeley?
Yes. We offer safe storage of original wills. You will also receive a certified copy for your records.
What happens to my will when I die?
After your death, your executor locates the original will, applies to the Supreme Court of WA for a Grant of Probate, and then manages and distributes your estate according to your wishes. Having a professionally drafted will makes this process significantly smoother for your family.
Should I update my will regularly?
We recommend reviewing your will every 3 to 5 years, or whenever there is a significant change in your circumstances (marriage, divorce, new children, change in assets, change of executor, etc.).
Clairs Keeley Wills and Estate Planning Services
Here are some more of the ways we can help you with Wills & Estate Planning.
Our Expert Wills and Estate Lawyers
Randika Rajkumar
Randika Rajkumar has been a solicitor at Clairs Keeley Lawyers since 2023, practising in Wills, Estate Planning and Deceased Estates.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws from Murdoch University and is completing a Master of Applied Law specialising in Estate Planning and Business Law.
Randika advises clients on probate, Letters of Administration, trusts and business succession planning, with experience across both estate and commercial matters. As a trained collaborative lawyer, he focuses on achieving practical, legally sound outcomes while supporting families through complex and sensitive estate issues.
Relevant Practice Areas:
Deceased estates • Probate & Letters of Administration • Wills & estate planning • Trusts & business succession
Candice Jonker
Candice Jonker is a Senior Associate practising in Wills, Estate Planning and Deceased Estates.
Admitted in 2019, she holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business from Murdoch University and a Master of Laws specialising in Wills & Estates Planning and Estate Administration.
Candice advises executors and families on probate, Letters of Administration, testamentary trusts and complex estate matters, including business and trust structures. Her collaborative training supports practical, strategic resolution of estate matters while preserving family relationships.
Relevant Practice Areas:
Deceased estates • Probate & Letters of Administration • Wills & estate planning • Trusts & Business succession
Getting a Will Is Easier Than You Think
Most people are surprised by how simple and affordable the process is. A short phone call is all it takes to get started — we’ll explain your options, recommend the right type of will, and give you a fixed-fee quote on the spot.