The useful starting question is what decisions and documents you need help with, rather than how many pages a will contains. A will-only service and a broader estate-planning engagement may solve different problems. Explain your family situation, the kinds of assets involved and any existing documents through the office's intake process. Ask what the proposed work addresses, what it leaves outside the engagement and how the completed documents will be explained and signed.
Distinguish a will from the wider plan
ASIC Moneysmart describes estate planning as potentially involving a will, superannuation nominations and documents about decisions during life. Its guidance also explains that a will does not automatically cover superannuation. This is a reason to ask how the different parts fit together, not to assume everyone needs the same package. A provider should explain which documents it proposes for your circumstances and jurisdiction. Ask whether it will coordinate with an accountant or financial adviser where their input is needed.
Describe ownership and relationships accurately
Prepare an outline of the kinds of assets and arrangements involved, including property, superannuation, businesses and trusts where relevant. You do not need to put balances or account numbers into a directory search. Tell the lawyer about existing documents and changes in family circumstances rather than starting from a blank form that omits them. Ask how the office identifies who owns or controls each asset and which matters need separate advice. A comparison site cannot establish what will form part of an estate or who may have a claim.
Ask how instructions, drafts and signing work
Find out who takes instructions and how the lawyer will explain the draft. Ask whether the proposed fee includes a review meeting, a stated number of changes, signing support and storage arrangements. If you are arranging an appointment for someone else, explain that relationship and let the office say whose instructions it needs. Access needs, interpreters, home visits and concerns about decision-making should be raised in advance. Do not assume a video appointment means every document can be signed remotely.
Make future changes understandable
Ask what the provider recommends reviewing when your circumstances change and what a later update would involve. Confirm where the signed originals will be held, what copies you receive and how an authorised person can locate documents when needed. If a package includes ongoing storage or future reviews, ask what is included, for how long and at what cost. Do not confuse a promise to store a document with a promise that someone will automatically monitor changes in your family, finances or the law.
An illustrative comparison
Two packages with different document lists
Illustrative example: one office quotes for a will, while another quotes for a will and documents about decisions during life. One also proposes reviewing a business arrangement.
A more useful approach
Ask each office to explain the purpose of each proposed task and whether it needs specialist input. Compare the shared will work first, then compare the additional advice separately. This avoids assuming the shorter package is sufficient or the longer package is automatically necessary.
Compare the task, then the proposal
Use these distinctions to ask what an office is offering. They describe possible scopes, not services guaranteed by a directory listing.
| Task | Possible output | Question to resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Will preparation or review | Advice and drafting for the agreed testamentary document. | Are draft discussion, changes and signing arrangements included? |
| Planning for decisions during life | Advice on relevant authority or care documents. | Which jurisdiction's documents and what scope of advice? |
| Coordination of complex arrangements | Review of identified business, trust or superannuation questions. | Who supplies tax or financial advice, and under which engagement? |
What to prepare for first contact
List what you already have. Ask the office which documents it needs and how to send them securely.
- Existing wills and related documents, with dates.
- A broad asset and ownership outline, including business or trust interests.
- People or organisations you want to discuss, and any changed circumstances.
- Questions about future decision-making and who might take on responsibilities.
- Appointment, interpreter or access requirements.
How to compare costs for this work
Ask whether the fee assumes a particular level of complexity and which developments would change it. Separate drafting from advice about trusts, business succession or other specialist arrangements. Check whether fees are per person or per document and whether joint appointments change how the work is handled. Ask about interpreter, travel and storage costs where relevant. A low document price is not a useful comparison unless you know what explanation, checking and completion support accompany it.
Use the fee comparison method →Take these questions to the office
Six questions that make the next step clearer
- Why do you recommend these particular documents?
- Which assets or arrangements need separate attention?
- Who takes instructions and explains the drafts?
- What revisions and signing support are included?
- Where will originals be stored and how can they be retrieved?
- What would a future update cost or involve?
Common comparison mistakes
- Assuming every asset is controlled by a will.
- Comparing document counts instead of the advice and work included.
- Assuming a relative can give the instructions because they arranged the meeting.
Questions people ask
Before you contact a provider
Is a will the same as an estate plan?
A will may be one part of a wider plan. Ask whether other documents or arrangements need attention and which of those are included in the proposed engagement.
Can I book an appointment on behalf of a parent?
You can ask about the intake process, but explain who needs advice and your role. The office will need to establish whose instructions it can accept.
Should every wills package include the same documents?
No. Compare the reasons for the proposed documents and their scope. The appropriate work depends on circumstances and jurisdiction.
Sources and scope
The linked sources support the official context. Our comparison examples and preparation frameworks are original editorial tools. Examples are illustrative, not reports of client matters.
- ASIC Moneysmart — wills and powers of attorney ↗
General Australian estate-planning information; document requirements depend on jurisdiction and circumstances. Link and context checked .
General preparation information. No individual legal assessment or professional legal review is claimed. How this content is prepared →