A Will leaves clear instructions that tell people what you want to happen to your assets after you die. It helps make sure that:
The people responsible for managing your estate know how you want your affairs to be handled
Any dependants such as children are properly taken care of

Your assets are distributed in a way that reflects your values and instructions
If you wish to bequeath a gift to Oxfam, leaving these instructions behind in a legal Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are followed through with.
We recommend that you consult a solicitor or seek legal advice when preparing a Will.

Writing a Will can sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. In Australia, anyone can prepare a Will if they are over 18-years old and deemed to be of sound mind. For a Will to be valid it must be:
Written down – you can’t rely on verbally passing on your wishes
Signed and witnessed by two people who aren’t your heir or spouse.
 
Different States and Territories may have different rules, so it’s recommended that you check any relevant Government websites before you start to make your Will. You can choose to have a trusted professional such as a solicitor help you write your Will or you can write your own using a DIY Wills kits often found online.
To write your own Will you must:
Speak to a solicitor or legal professional if you have any questions about how to write your Will
Read example Wills available online to understand how to structure it and the appropriate language to use
Download or purchase a DIY Wills kit
Visit the Public Trustee site for you State or Territory to make sure that you understand the services available to you and what it means for life events such as marriage or divorce
Be very specific in your instructions and careful to include as much detail as possible. This avoids the possibility of misinterpretation or your Will one day being deemed invalid (Oxfam can help you find someone to help you write your Will if clear communication is a concern for you)
If you have a relative or business that is connected to you that you wish to exclude from your Will be very clear about this also
File your Will somewhere safe but easily accessible for your loved ones if they need to access it at a later date. Leaving a copy with a solicitor or trusted professional is also a good idea
Remember to update your Will every few years to reflect your circumstances
A Will gives you the power to choose how your assets can benefit your loved ones and adding a bequest to Oxfam ensures you leave a legacy that benefits people all around the world.