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Queenslanders Urged to Update Their Wills as Property Prices Surge
Why This Matters With property prices in Queensland soaring and more Australians passing away without a valid will, legal experts are urging people to take urgent action. 🗣️ “A will isn’t just paperwork — it’s legal protection for your family,” says Kauri Burgess, Senior Estate Lawyer at Aylward Game Solicitors. 🏠 Property Prices Are Driving […]
Queenslanders Urged to Update Their Wills as Property Prices Surge
Why This Matters
With property prices in Queensland soaring and more Australians passing away without a valid will, legal experts are urging people to take urgent action.
🗣️ “A will isn’t just paperwork — it’s legal protection for your family,”
says Kauri Burgess, Senior Estate Lawyer at Aylward Game Solicitors.
🏠 Property Prices Are Driving Estate Disputes
As highlighted in a recent ABC News article (“Lawyers urge Australians to ensure valid will in place as house prices rise”, 16 Sept 2025), NSW is seeing an alarming rise in contested estates, with:
- 🧾 60% of Australians are dying without a valid will
- ⚖️ Over 1,400 contested estate matters filed in NSW Supreme Court (2024)
The same trend is occurring in Queensland, where:
- Home values are at record highs
- More people are entering second marriages or blended family situations
Estates worth $1M+ are increasingly common
Get Ahead with Expert Legal Guidance
Trust Aylward Game Solicitors to Navigate Your Legal Challenges
What Happens Without a Valid Will in QLD?
If you die intestate (without a valid will) in Queensland:
- The Public Trustee of Queensland may administer your estate
- Your assets may go to unintended people, or even to the state
- Your loved ones may face delays, court costs, and emotional stress
⚠️ “You lose control over who gets what. And your family loses time, money, and peace of mind,”
says Kauri Burgess.
Superannuation: Don’t Assume It’s Covered
Many people wrongly believe their superannuation is automatically included in their will. It’s not.
- Without a binding death benefit nomination, your super fund decides who gets the money
- Over 6.5 million Australians currently lack a valid nomination
- That could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars go to the wrong person
DIY Wills: Cheap Now, Expensive Later
While online and DIY will kits are popular, they’re often:
- ❌ Not legally valid (due to improper witnessing or vague wording)
- ❌ Missing an executor or key clauses
- ❌ Vulnerable to legal challenges
🗣️ “A DIY will might save money now — but cost your estate tens of thousands later,”
warns Ms Burgess.
When Should You Update Your Will?
You should review your will every 3–5 years or after key life events:
✅ Marriage, separation or divorce
✅ Birth of children or grandchildren
✅ Buying or selling property
✅ Starting a business
✅ Changes to superannuation or tax law
📌 Queensland’s evolving land tax rules and property law changes are another reason to check your estate plan today.
Get Ahead with Expert Legal Guidance
Trust Aylward Game Solicitors to Navigate Your Legal Challenges
Final Thoughts
🗣️ “Estate planning isn’t morbid — it’s responsible,”
says Ms Burgess.
“A valid, up-to-date will protects your family, your assets, and your wishes.”
📞 Need Help with Your Will?
The team at Aylward Game Solicitors offers expert estate planning services for individuals, couples, and families across Queensland.
📍 Locations:
📲 Contact Us Today
🧑⚖️ Book a consultation with Senior Estate Lawyer Kauri Burgess.
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