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Essential guide to wills and estates practice

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Essential guide to wills and estates practice

Updated in 2025 (excluding SA), this course provides current, practical knowledge to support confident and compliant practice in will-drafting and estate administration.

Want to draft and execute your clients’ wills and estates with confidence and clarity?

This course bundle will build your capabilities across four essential – and practical – modules. You’ll learn:

  • How to draft a valid will and minimise negligence claims
  • The processes, complexities and risks when dealing with probate
  • How to administer a deceased estate and distribute assets
  • The intricacies of power of attorney – and how to draft a general power of attorney

You may be an early-career lawyer wanting to build foundational knowledge. Or perhaps you’re a senior lawyer looking to test and sharpen your expertise. 

Either way, you’ll walk away with practical skills to guide your clients with care and compassion. And provide them with certainty through challenging times.

Each bundle is delivered with jurisdictional specific content. A sample of the NSW bundle content is below. Please choose your preferred jurisdiction when adding this bundle to your cart.

From this bundle course you will earn 8 CPD Units.

INCLUDED COURSES

More and more negligence claims are being brought against solicitors in relation to wills and will drafting. In fact, did you know that over 50% of wills in Australia are contested?

So now, more than ever, it’s critical you follow a precise, methodical approach when taking instructions and drafting wills on behalf of your clients. 

This course will teach you how to correctly draft wills, minimise negligence claims and tailor each will to your clients’ needs and circumstances. 

You’ll learn about:

  • Will requirements
  • Receiving instructions
  • Executing wills
  • Common pitfalls to avoid

You’ll gain the skills you need to give clients peace of mind that you’re fully prepared to execute their will – exactly as they planned.

The course contains content that falls within the mandatory CPD categories of Professional Skills and Substantive Law.

  • Getting started: will requirements 
  • Receiving instructions 
  • Explaining the legal issues 
  • Drafting the will or codicil 
  • Executing the will

Complete this course to earn 2 CPD units within the mandatory CPD categories of Professional Skills and Substantive Law.

Practitioners holding WA practising certificates are not eligible to earn CPD points for this course.

Updated in 2025 (excluding SA), this course provides current, practical knowledge to support confident and compliant practice in will-drafting and estate administration.

When a person dies, it usually falls upon family or close friends to deal with their estate. 

Yet grief often makes it difficult for them to know where to start. Nor do they have the expertise to understand the intricacies involved.

Upskill in probate law to provide clarity and certainty during these challenging times.

This course will guide you through the processes, complexities and risks when dealing with probate. You’ll learn how to distribute the assets of the estate according to the requirements of the will.

At the end of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Advise clients on the probate process
  • Source the necessary details from clients to progress an application for probate 
  • Prepare the documents required for a probate application
  • Follow the steps to file a probate application 

The course contains content that falls within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

  • Getting started 
  • Receiving instructions 
  • Commencing proceedings 
  • Drafting and affirming the affidavit of the executor 
  • Filing the application for grant of probate

Complete this course to earn 2 CPD units within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

Practitioners holding WA practising certificates are not eligible to earn CPD points for this course.

Updated in 2025 (excluding SA), this course provides current, practical knowledge to support confident and compliant practice in will-drafting and estate administration.

The administration of a deceased estate can be a complex and challenging time for the loved one's family and friends.

To guide them through this period, you can provide peace of mind by taking care of two important processes: 

  1. The orderly payment of the liabilities of the deceased person (including tax liabilities) from the estate assets.
  2. The distribution of the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the will. (Or, if there is no will, according to the statutory order applicable upon intestacy.)

This course will equip you with guidelines to follow when instructed to administer a deceased estate. You’ll know which processes to follow when the deceased person dies leaving a valid will (testate) or without leaving a valid will (intestate).

At the end of this course, you’ll know how to: 

  • Order each step in the administration of estate process 
  • Summarise the role and responsibilities of a personal representative
  • Collate the required documents to complete the administration of estate process

The course contains content that falls within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

  • Getting started – knowing the basics 
  • Advising the client 
  • Administration of the estate 
  • Administration of assets 
  • Distribution to beneficiaries

Complete this course to earn 2 CPD units within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

Practitioners holding WA practising certificates are not eligible to earn CPD points for this course.

Updated in 2025 (excluding SA), this course provides current, practical knowledge to support confident and compliant practice in will-drafting and estate administration.

Powers of attorney are becoming more prevalent in Australia. This is due to our ageing population – as well as other social trends such as increased wealth and complex family dynamics.

By drafting a power of attorney document, you’ll prepare a robust plan for your clients when they’re unable to make decisions themselves. 

This course will guide you through the processes, complexities and risks when dealing with this substitute decision-making instrument. 

You’ll provide your clients with peace of mind that someone they trust will pay their bills, manage their assets, and handle their legal and financial affairs. (Like making key decisions around banking, real estate, insurance, investments, pension and gifts.) 

You’ll learn about general and enduring powers of attorney – and the advantages of each. And you’ll help your clients ensure a trusted person is able to manage their affairs when they’re at their most vulnerable.

The course contains content that falls within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

  • Key terms and principles 
  • Client interview: getting instructions 
  • Formal requirements 
  • Rights and responsibilities 
  • Drafting a general power of attorney 
  • Advising on an enduring power of attorney

Complete this course to earn 2 CPD units within the mandatory CPD category of Professional Skills.

Practitioners holding WA practising certificates are not eligible to earn CPD points for this course.

I found this course quite challenging, but have learnt much more about the practical part than I ever did during university.

On-demand CPD Learner

Straightforward. Easy to understand.

On-demand CPD Learner

RELATED COURSES

This course will equip you with guidelines to follow when instructed to administer a deceased estate. You’ll know which processes to follow when the deceased person dies leaving a valid will (testate) or without leaving a valid will (intestate).
This course will equip you with guidelines to follow when instructed to administer a deceased estate. You’ll know which processes to follow when the deceased person dies leaving a valid will (testate) or without leaving a valid will (intestate).
This course will teach you how to correctly draft wills, minimise negligence claims and tailor each will to your clients’ needs and circumstances. 
This course will teach you how to correctly draft wills, minimise negligence claims and tailor each will to your clients’ needs and circumstances. 
This course will guide you through the processes, complexities and risks when dealing with this substitute decision-making instrument. 
This course will guide you through the processes, complexities and risks when dealing with this substitute decision-making instrument. 
Upskill in probate law to provide clarity and certainty during these challenging times. This course will guide you through the processes, complexities and risks when dealing with probate. You’ll learn how to distribute the assets of the estate according to the requirements of the will.
Upskill in probate law to provide clarity and certainty during these challenging times. This course will guide you through the processes, complexities and risks when dealing with probate. You’ll learn how to distribute the assets of the estate according to the requirements of the will.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

With our online on-demand interactive courses, you can learn when and where it suits you. 

We’ve designed each course to provide both education and enjoyment.

Each course offers a mix of engaging exercises, where you’ll gain access to:

  • Interactive activities to challenge your understanding and put your knowledge to the test. You’ll also enjoy engaging exercises, such as flip cards, quizzes and drafting activities
  • Clearly identified outcomes so you know precisely what you’ll learn – and the skills you’ll gain. You’ll also be able to track your development and focus on key improvement areas.
  • Extended course access so you can reference the material as you need – or revisit it if life ever gets in the way
  • Feedback and template answers so you can refine your skills, grow your knowledge and gain fresh insights

All bundles and most single courses are not included in the CPD Digital Subscription, but are a great addition to a subscription and let you go in-depth in a particular area.

Yes, you can learn on the go by accessing our learning content anytime, anywhere through your mobile device.

Simply download the Canvas Student app (that hosts College of Law learning portal).

In the app, search College of Law in ‘Find my school’ and sign in with your given COLPass details. You will then be able to access all your College of Law courses via the mobile app.

Our suite of over 100+ exclusive single courses enable you to target a core skill or knowledge area.

Each course is an in-depth learning resource, available in the following formats:

Single courses are an affordable way for you to target a core skill or knowledge area.

Course formats include:

  • Step-by-step guides: Explore the procedure or processes involved in a certain area of law
  • Skills series modules: Sharpen an essential skill that you need to succeed in your practice
  • Practice guides: Gain tips and an overview of a particular area of law

You can browse the full course list at any time.

Each bundle includes four in-depth resources, providing you with eight hours of self-paced and interactive learning, which you can access for 12-months from the date of purchase.

Strengthen your essential knowledge in a specific practice area. You can expand your expertise in areas such as:

  • Wills and estates
  • Family law 
  • Property transactions
  • Advocacy
  • Legal business management
  • Criminal Law
  • Business transactions
  • Commercial contracts
  • PLUS you can build your own bundle with any 4 single courses. Use code: BUNDLE40 at the check-out. 

You can browse our bundle packages at any time. Still short of CPD points? You can add a Digital Subscription and save.

If the Digital Subscription is about variety, the bundle courses are about focus. Each on-demand bundle contains four in-depth learning resources, so you can boost your essential knowledge and skills across a particular practice area more affordably.

With a bundle, you’ll earn eight CPD points, while saving 40% on the single courses.

Go in-depth as you comprehensively explore a specific practice area. Learn interactively across engaging formats like step-by-step guides, practice guides and skill series. And gain helpful learning resources you can reference when you encounter similar situations in practice.

You can now build your own bundle with any four single courses. Simply add the four courses to your shopping cart using the BUNDLE40 discount code for the bundle price to be applied.

This bundle will benefit:

  • Lawyers wanting to build practical foundational knowledge and skills
  • Established lawyers looking to move into this area of law or who do occasional work in this area  
  • Senior lawyers looking to confirm their knowledge and stay up to date
  • Paralegals, clerks and administrative staff wanting to upskill

Access our diverse library of short-form content, across all four mandatory areas, with a year-long subscription. And learn how you like with our collection of interactive courses, podcasts and vodcasts.

We’re constantly expanding our catalogue of subscription modules. Currently, you can access over 140 hours of content across areas like:

  • Litigation
  • Family law
  • Drafting
  • Client management
  • Criminal law
  • Professional conduct
  • Employment law
  • Project management
  • Legal automation

You can browse our full subscription inclusion list at any time. 

Please note that bundle courses and most single courses are not available within the subscription. You will need to add bundles or single courses to your subscription for in-depth learning in a particular area.

In today’s dynamic legal landscape, you need to stay informed about what’s happening now – and be prepared for what’s next.

With a CPD Digital Subscription, you’ll unlock our diverse and dynamic library of short-form content for only $499/year.

Designed around an engaging range of learning formats (including courses, vodcasts and podcasts), you can cover all your CPD compliance needs for one low yearly fee.

Subscribe today to:

  • Enhance your everyday learning for you and your legal team  
  • Meet your mandatory CPD requirements
  • Enjoy unlimited 24/7 access for 12 months
  • Unlock 140+ hours of interactive courses, how-to skill series, vodcasts and podcasts

Each module has been expertly developed or curated by the College of Law – and our industry partners. These include the Centre for Legal Innovation (CLI), Hearsay, CPD Interactive and On the Run.

With a CPD Digital Subscription, you can learn when you want, what you want, and as often as you want.

If you’re looking for a wide variety of content, this is the CPD solution for you.

For live and short courses We offer a 10% discount for groups of two or more from the same organisation for our live courses and short courses. Add discount code GROUP10 at the checkout.

When it comes to subscription pricing options firms can access our subscription pricing options designed to accommodate varying team sizes: 

  • For teams of 2 to 5 users: Total cost: $1,399 per year. Enjoy savings of $1,096 using code FLEX5 when purchasing at the checkout.
  • For teams of 6 to 10 users: Total cost: $1,799 per year Unlock savings of $3,191 using code FLEX10 when purchasing at the checkout.
  • For teams of 10 or more users: Please contact us directly for personalised pricing tailored to your organisation's needs.

You can also learn more here.

You can access live courses and short courses delivered via a video conferencing link. This will be provided to you prior to the start of the course.

You can access each on-demand course through the College’s online learning portal. Whether you purchase a single course, a bundle, or a subscription, you’ll enjoy 24/7 unlimited access for 12 months from the time of purchase.

View the full course catalogue.

Does this educational activity extend your knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to your practice needs or professional development?

If so, and you’re not a WA practitioner, you should claim 1 unit for each hour of participation, not including breaks.

Please check your local CPD rules for any caps on activity types, such as the private study of non-interactive audio/visual materials. You are responsible for keeping your own CPD records and complying with your local CPD rules.

Western Australian practitioners who complete our on-demand courses are currently unable to claim CPD points. However, you may earn CPD points by attending select live CPD events or by completing select CPD interactive modules.

Important Information: As of 1 April 2021, accredited providers of CPD to the legal profession in Western Australia are required to provide compliance information to the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia about individual legal practitioners. By enrolling in a College of Law course, you consent to us providing this information (including but not limited to personal information such as your name, WA Practitioner ID, contact details and course attendance/completion data) to the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia.

Please be advised of the following if you are a WA practitioner and wish to claim CPD points for attending/completing a College of Law course:

  • You must check on the course registration page whether Western Australian practitioners are eligible to earn CPD points for that course.
  • You must provide your Practitioner ID number to the College of Law. If you have not already done so, please provide your practitioner ID by email to cpd@collaw.edu.au 
  • Your attendance/completion of the course will be electronically monitored and you will be strictly required to remain present for the full duration in order to earn the CPD points attributed to the event. In the case of virtual offerings, you are responsible for maintaining a stable internet connection and taking account of time zones. No refunds will be issued for technical or other failures outside our control that result in you being unable to earn CPD points.
  • If you have any questions about earning CPD points, please contact us by email cpd@collaw.edu.au or phone (02) 9965 7111.
  • If you have any questions about the CPD compliance and reporting regime in Western Australia, please contact the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia.

Yes, you can keep track of your completion of our online courses and modules via the grades tab within the relevant courses in our learning management system. 

While certificates are not issued for these courses, your learning journey is still captured within the platform.

At the end of each course, your grades and completion results are displayed on screen, giving you the opportunity to take a quick screenshot for your records. This provides clear evidentiary support for your self-assessment obligations under the CPD scheme.

CPD requirements generally begin from the first full CPD year after your admission as a practising lawyer. This means that if you’ve recently completed your Practical Legal Training (PLT) and been admitted, you typically won’t need to start earning CPD points until the next CPD cycle.

However, requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so it’s best to check with your local law society.

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