7 Things You Should Never Put in Your Will (And What to Do Instead)

Creating a will is one of the most important steps a person can take to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are respected after they pass away. A properly prepared will can reduce confusion, minimise disputes, and provide clarity during an already difficult time. However, many people mistakenly assume that every wish, instruction, or personal detail should be included in this document.

The reality is that there are several things that are often better handled outside a will. Understanding what you should never put in your will can help you create a more effective estate plan while making life easier for your family and executor.

A will should focus on distributing your estate and appointing the people responsible for carrying out your wishes. Overloading it with instructions that belong elsewhere can create unnecessary complications.

1. Detailed Funeral Instructions

Many people include funeral wishes in their will, believing this is the best place for them. Unfortunately, wills are often not read until after funeral arrangements have already begun.

If you have specific wishes regarding burial, cremation, music, readings, or memorial services, it is usually better to discuss them with your family in advance and keep them in a separate document.

This can be particularly helpful for families considering options such as an attending service cremation or a viewing cremation.

2. Assets With Named Beneficiaries

Certain assets pass directly to beneficiaries regardless of what your will says.

These may include:

• Superannuation accounts

• Life insurance policies

• Some jointly owned assets

Instead of relying on your will, ensure beneficiary nominations are current and properly completed with the relevant organisations.

3. Jointly Owned Property

Property owned jointly with rights of survivorship generally passes automatically to the surviving owner.

Including conflicting instructions in your will can create confusion and potentially lead to disputes.

It is important to review ownership structures as part of your broader estate planning process.

4. Sensitive Family Explanations

While it may be tempting to use your will to explain family disagreements or justify decisions, doing so can sometimes worsen tensions.

Wills become legal documents involved in estate administration. Personal grievances or criticisms may create additional distress for those left behind.

Instead, consider writing a private letter if there are personal matters you wish to address.

5. Business Operating Instructions

If you own a business, detailed operational instructions generally do not belong in your will.

Business circumstances can change significantly over time, and overly specific directions may become outdated.

A separate business succession plan is usually a more effective way to communicate how the business should be managed after your death.

6. Assets You No Longer Own

One common mistake is leaving specific items to beneficiaries without updating the will when circumstances change.

For example, if you leave a particular property or investment to someone but later sell it, that gift may no longer exist when your estate is administered.

Regular reviews help ensure your will remains accurate and relevant.

7. Passwords and Sensitive Account Information

Although digital assets are becoming increasingly important, including passwords directly in a will is rarely advisable.

Once probate begins, certain details may become accessible to multiple parties involved in estate administration.

A safer approach is to maintain a secure and regularly updated record of digital accounts and access information separately.

Why Keeping a Will Simple Is Often Best

One reason to understand what you should never put in your will is that a clear and focused document is generally easier for executors to administer.

The more practical and organised your estate planning documents are, the easier it becomes for loved ones to carry out your wishes. Complex instructions, unnecessary details, or outdated information can create delays and confusion at a time when families are already coping with grief.

Estate planning is not just about distributing assets. It is about reducing stress and providing certainty for those you leave behind.

Estate Planning and Funeral Preparation

End-of-life planning often extends beyond legal matters. Families may also need to make decisions about funeral arrangements, memorials, and cremation services.

For some, a no service cremation provides a simple and dignified farewell that aligns with their personal wishes.

At Black Tulip Funerals, families receive compassionate support and guidance through every stage of funeral planning, helping them create meaningful farewells while reducing uncertainty during a difficult time.

Additional Estate Planning Guidance

For reliable information on wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning, the MoneySmart guide to wills and powers of attorney offers practical advice to help Australians prepare for the future.

Understanding your options today can help prevent complications tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what you should never put in your will is just as important as knowing what should be included. By keeping your will focused on essential legal matters and storing certain instructions elsewhere, you can create a clearer and more effective estate plan.

Regular reviews, open communication with loved ones, and professional advice where appropriate can help ensure your wishes are carried out smoothly. Ultimately, thoughtful planning is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind for your family.