Hi there. While the help of a solicitor is often recommended, there is no legal requirement that a lawyer must prepare a will.

As long as you are over 18 years of age and are of sound mind, such that you are conscious of your actions, you are eligible to make a will. A minor can still make a will if they have been married or have been granted permission from the Supreme Court to do so.

If you plan on drawing up your own will, you must take great care to fulfil all the formal requirements. If they are not met, the will may be void and your estate could incur considerable expenses to have a court interpret the will.

Suggested way forward

You can prepare your will in a number of ways. Do-It-Yourself will kits are usually available via newsagents and similar distributors. You can also consider using thePublic Trustee of SA to prepare your will (http://publictrustee.sa.gov.au/), although their free will service requires you to appoint the Public Trustee as your executor.The professional drafting and guidance of a wills and estate solicitor is always best. By pressing the “Consult a Lawyer” button, LawAdvisor can help you search for experienced lawyers and obtain fee proposals for their services.