Legal documents you should have by 30

Most of us spend our twenties ticking off life admin items like organising concert tickets, collecting smashed avo recipes, and maybe buying the occasional house plant that we then spend the next couple of months trying not to kill. But there’s one thing you should absolutely be ticking off your life admin list as you hit 30: legal estate planning documents that protect your future, your assets, and your loved ones.

It might not sound as fun as booking a Bali getaway but trust us—this is the kind of life admin that pays off. Let’s walk through the legal must-haves you should tick off by the big 3-0.

Why age 30 is the sweet spot for estate planning

By 30, many of us are stepping into the world of real responsibilities:

• You might own a home (or be looking at buying in the near future)
• You may have a partner or be raising small humans
• You’re probably working hard, might have a business or even have a side hustle
• You might have a car loan, savings, and be building your superannuation

The responsibilities, commitments and growing wealth all add up to needing solid estate planning to keep everything—and everyone—protected.

The essential legal documents by age 30

Here’s what should be in your legal life admin toolkit:

1. Your Will

Yes, even if you don’t think you’re “rich enough”. A Will isn’t just for the old, the wealthy or the retired. It’s for anyone who owns anything—a car, bank account (no matter or big or small), shares, pets, crypto wallet, or even that box of vinyls you’d rather not leave to your ex.

Why you need a Will:

• You get to choose who inherits your assets
• You can name a guardian for your kids (super important!)
• You make things easier for your loved ones by having documents giving them the ability to look after you and your affairs during a tough time
• Without a Will (this is called an intestacy) the law at the time will decide who gets what and who is in charge—and it might not be who you’d pick

Case study: Jess, 29, passed away unexpectedly in a car accident. She didn’t have a Will, and her parents ended up in a legal standoff with her partner over her estate. A simple Will could’ve prevented months of stress and legal bills.

2. Power of attorney

A Power of Attorney lets someone you trust handle your financial and legal decisions if you’re ever not able to—whether due to illness, travel, or an accident.

Think: paying your utilise, rent or mortgage, accessing your bank account, or dealing with the ATO on your behalf.

Why you need a Power of Attorney:

• If you’re in hospital, your partner or parents can’t automatically access your money or make decisions for you
• Without it, they’d need to apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal—this can often be a slow and stressful process

Pro tip: Choose someone organised, trustworthy, and financially responsible.

3. Enduring guardianship

An Appointment of Enduring Guardianship lets you appoint someone to make medical and lifestyle decisions for you if you lose capacity—like choosing where you live, what treatment you receive, or whether to switch off life support.

Why you need an Enduring Guardianship:

• It covers your personal life—not your money
• It avoids arguments between family members at already hard times and makes sure your wishes are followed
• You get to stay in control of your wishes, even when you can’t speak for yourself

Example: Sarah, 32, developed a sudden brain aneurysm. Because she had an enduring guardian appointed, her sister could make medical decisions quickly and calmly, in line with Sarah’s wishes.

4. Superannuation death benefit nomination

You might not think much about your superannuation now but by 30 you could have some money tucked away in your super. And unless you’ve made a binding death nomination that money might not go to who you want.

Why you need a superannuation death benefit nomination:

• Your Will doesn’t automatically capture your superannuation
• Your superannuation has a trustee who can choose where your superannuation is paid—unless you’ve provided your superannuation with a valid death nomination form
• Make sure to check and update your binding death nomination as they may lapse every 3 years if they’re not ‘non-lapsing’.

Tip: Update your death nomination if your life changes—new partner, new baby, or separation.

Other estate planning documents to consider

Here are a few bonus legal wins to consider if they apply to you:

• Advance care directive – for those who want to make detailed end of life health care choices in advance
• Testamentary trust Wills – helpful for higher-value estates or protecting vulnerable beneficiaries
• Digital legacy  – think online accounts, social media, cloud photos, and passwords

Estate Planning FAQs

Do I need estate planning documents even if I’m single with no kids?

Yes! Your life is still worth protecting. A Will, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship are just as important for solo legends as they are for parents. If no one is legally authorised to make decisions for you if you can’t, or if you’ve passed away, your loved ones will be left in a much more difficult legal position to help you and/or sort out your affairs when you’re gone.

What if I already have these documents?
That’s awesome! But make sure they’re up to date. Revisit your estate planning documents if you’ve:

• Relocated
• Gotten married or divorced
• Had children
• Bought or sold major assets

Can I DIY my estate planning documents?

You can to a certain extent… but we don’t recommend it. DIY Wills and online templates often miss important legal requirements, they don’t provide advice and consider factors and details that will affect you (without you realising it!), which can make them invalid or difficult to actually implement. An experienced estate planning lawyer makes sure your documents are watertight and tailored to your situation.

Why estate planning matters more than you think

Estate planning isn’t just about death—it’s about making life easier for the people you love. The last thing anyone wants is court applications, delays, or family drama at an already stressful time.

And as boring as “legal documents” might sound, there’s something wildly empowering about ticking estate planning off your list. It’s like insurance—but for your life’s decisions.

Final checklist: your legal documents by age 30

Will
Power of Attorney
Enduring Guardian
Superannuation death nomination

You’ve got your streaming subscriptions. You’ve got your meal prep containers. Now get your legal life admin sorted. Because being 30 and having your estate plan in place? That’s the kind of adulting worth celebrating.

If you’re ready to tick ‘estate planning’ off your to-do list, send us an email at [email protected], give us a call on 1300 034 487 or book in a free 10 minute chat here. We’ll make the process easy, straightforward, and stress-free—so you can focus on the million other things on your plate!

We’ll look after you.