In today’s technology-driven world, nearly every aspect of life has gone digital — from banking to communication, and now, even estate planning. The rise of online wills and digital estate planning has transformed how people prepare for the future, making it easier, faster, and more secure to protect their assets and loved ones.
As we step into 2025, understanding how to create a will online and include your digital assets — from cryptocurrency to social media — is no longer optional; it’s essential. This guide explores how online wills are reshaping estate planning, offering practical insights, expert tips, and a glimpse into what the future holds.
What Is an Online Will and Why It Matters
An online will is a legally binding document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your passing, created through a secure digital platform instead of traditional paper-based methods.
Why are online wills gaining so much popularity?
- Convenience: You can draft a complete will in less than an hour without visiting a lawyer’s office.
- Affordability: The best online wills cost a fraction of traditional legal services.
- Accessibility: You can update and store your will securely online at any time.
- Inclusion of digital assets: Online will platforms allow you to include online accounts, passwords, and cryptocurrencies.
Estate planning has evolved — and digital estate planning ensures no part of your legacy is left behind.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Legally Valid Online Will in 2025
Creating an online will is simple, but to make it legally valid, it must meet specific requirements. Follow these steps to ensure your will holds up under the law:
Step 1: Choose a Trusted Online Will Platform
Start by selecting a reputable online will service that complies with Australian estate laws. Look for encryption technology, clear legal disclaimers, and customer reviews.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal and Family Details
The platform will ask for information about you, your spouse, children, or other dependents. This step helps tailor your document to your situation.
Step 3: List Assets — Both Physical and Digital
Include all forms of wealth, such as real estate, vehicles, savings accounts, and digital assets like cryptocurrencies, NFTs, or domain names.
Step 4: Name Beneficiaries and Executors
Specify who inherits your assets and who will be responsible for executing your will. It’s wise to appoint a tech-savvy executor who understands online security.
Step 5: Review and Sign
Once your will is complete, review it carefully. You’ll need to sign it — digitally if your jurisdiction allows, or physically with witnesses present.
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Step 6: Store It Securely
Most platforms provide cloud-based storage and access controls. Make sure your executor knows how to retrieve your final document.
Including Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan
Traditional wills often overlooked digital assets — but not anymore. As we increasingly live and invest online, ensuring these assets are protected is vital.
Here’s how to handle them properly:
1. Identify Your Digital Assets
This includes:
- Online bank and investment accounts
- Cryptocurrency wallets
- Social media profiles
- Cloud storage files
- Subscription accounts
- Domain names or websites
2. Provide Access Information
Your executor will need usernames, passwords, and recovery keys. Store them in a secure digital vault and reference this vault in your will.
3. Specify Ownership and Wishes
Decide what happens to your digital presence — do you want accounts deleted, memorialized, or transferred? Online wills can include these preferences clearly.
Digital estate planning ensures your online life is managed with the same care as your physical assets.
Choosing the Right Online Will Service
With many platforms available in 2025, it’s crucial to choose the one that fits your needs. Consider the following when making your choice:
Legal Validity
Ensure the service complies with Australian laws and provides state-specific templates.
Security
Look for bank-grade encryption and two-factor authentication. Protecting personal data and asset details is non-negotiable.
Customization
Choose a platform that allows flexibility — whether for complex family arrangements or business ownership.
Affordability and Value
Compare pricing. Some offer one-time fees, while others provide annual subscriptions with unlimited updates.
Customer Support
Opt for services that provide expert guidance, FAQs, and even access to estate lawyers if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an Online Will
Even with modern tools, certain mistakes can render your will invalid or incomplete. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Failing to sign properly: Some jurisdictions require physical signatures, even for online wills.
- Omitting witnesses: Always check if your state requires two adult witnesses.
- Not updating after life changes: Update your will after marriage, divorce, or new property purchases.
- Ignoring digital assets: Ensure crypto wallets, social media, and online income streams are accounted for.
- Lack of communication: Let your executor or family know where your will is stored.
The Legal Landscape of Online Wills in 2025
As of 2025, most Australian states recognize digitally prepared wills, but certain signing and witnessing requirements still apply. Some platforms even integrate with electronic witnessing technology, allowing video verification and digital signatures.
It’s always best to review local estate laws or consult a lawyer if your estate involves:
- Business ownership
- Multiple properties
- International assets
- Complex family arrangements
The key is ensuring your will meets the same legal standards as a traditional one.
The Role of Technology in Future Estate Planning
The future of estate planning is digital-first. Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies are already improving how online wills are created, verified, and stored.
Here’s what’s ahead:
- AI-assisted drafting: Personalized recommendations for asset distribution and legal compliance.
- Blockchain security: Tamper-proof storage ensures authenticity and permanence.
- Integrated digital vaults: Securely manage both will documents and access credentials.
- Automation: Future systems may automatically update will clauses when assets or family details change.
The result? Estate planning that’s simpler, safer, and smarter than ever before.
Keeping Your Online Will Updated
Your online will isn’t a “set it and forget it” document. Update it regularly — at least once a year or after major life events.
Good online platforms make this easy:
- Log in and edit sections instantly
- Add or remove beneficiaries
- Adjust asset values
- Re-sign digitally to ensure validity
By keeping your will current, you guarantee that your intentions are always clearly represented.
Conclusion
The future of estate planning lies in the seamless integration of online wills and digital asset management. These innovations have made it possible to create, update, and secure your will with ease — no legal jargon or excessive costs required.
Whether you’re crafting a DIY online will for simplicity or using a premium online will service for advanced protection, the goal remains the same: to give you peace of mind knowing your loved ones and digital legacy are protected.
FAQS
Yes, as long as they meet your state’s witnessing and signature requirements. Many online will services provide clear guidance to ensure your will is legally enforceable.
Absolutely. Online wills allow you to specify how digital assets like crypto, NFTs, and online investments should be managed or transferred securely.
Reputable services use high-level encryption, two-factor authentication, and cloud storage protection to safeguard your personal and financial information.
It’s recommended to review and update your will annually or after major life events such as marriage, a new child, or property acquisition.