A new survey conducted by Willed, a leading online end-of-life planning service in Australia, sheds light on changing attitudes towards online Will-making among Australians.
“We’ve seen a remarkable shift in how Australians approach estate planning,” says David Kaplan, co-founder of Willed. “Our survey confirms what we’ve long suspected — that there’s a growing demand for accessible, affordable, and user-friendly Will-making services.”
The survey, which gathered responses from individuals who have recently created a Will through Willed’s platform, offers valuable insights into what motivates Australians to take action and actually think about their estate planning.
Key findings
Motivations for Will-Making
80% of respondents cited convenience and cost-effectiveness as primary drivers for choosing an online Will service over engaging a solicitor or using a DIY Will kit.
62% specifically mentioned the ability to complete their Will from home as a significant advantage.
Overcoming Traditional Barriers
The survey revealed that 73% of respondents had previously delayed creating a Will due to perceived barriers. 58% thought it would be “too expensive,” while 45% believed it would be “too hard or complicated.”
Most notably, 68% of users found the online process simpler than they had anticipated.
Emotional Impact
A significant 85% of respondents reported feeling “relieved” after completing their Will online. Additionally, 62% described feeling “confident” about their estate planning after using the service.
Demographics and Life Events
The survey indicated that 42% were prompted to write their Will by having children, 38% by buying property, and 15% by experiencing health scares.
Notably, 57% of all respondents were under the age of 45, suggesting a growing trend of young Australians engaging in estate planning.
“These numbers are encouraging,” says Kaplan. “They show that we’re not just digitising an existing process, but actually expanding access to estate planning for younger generations who might not have considered it before.”
