Wills & Estate Lawyer Burpengary

Usually, yes — which is the problem. Unlike marriage, separation on its own doesn't revoke a will under Queensland law, so an ex-partner can remain a named beneficiary or executor until you actively change it. If you've separated, treat updating your will as urgent, not optional.

Generally, yes — under the Succession Act 1981 (Qld), marriage automatically revokes an earlier will unless it was made in contemplation of that specific marriage. If you married without making a new will, you may now be relying on the intestacy rules rather than any will at all.

A stepchild isn't automatically treated the same as a biological or adopted child for inheritance purposes, so if you want to provide for them, your will needs to say so explicitly. It's one of the most common oversights we find in older Burpengary wills.

Potentially, depending on timing and circumstances. Under section 41 of the Succession Act 1981 (Qld), a spouse, child or dependant may apply to the court for provision, and "spouse" can include a former de facto partner in some situations. An application generally has to start within nine months of the death. We can help you plan around this risk — we can't remove it entirely.

There's no automatic answer — it depends on who is actually raising the children and whether that's your current partner, a former partner, or someone else entirely. We talk through the practical reality of your household, not just who "should" be named on paper.

Often less than starting from scratch, but it depends on how much has changed. The first consultation is free, and we quote the full fee before any work begins. Ask us to confirm current pricing when you call.