Catherine Ashton, Founder, Critical Info. Last updated 12/10/2026
End of life planning is organising your wishes, documents and key details while you are well, so the people you trust can act for you without guessing. In Australia, it usually covers your Will, who will make decisions if you cannot, your care and funeral wishes, your money, super and insurance, your digital life and the messages you want to leave. The easiest place to start is the free 3 minute Critical Info Check.
Why does it matter?
Around 187,000 Australians die each year (187,268 deaths were registered in 2024, ABS). The Groundswell Project found 90% of Australians think end-of-life planning is important, but only about a third have acted. Preparation makes a real difference: in The Evolved Group's 2023 survey of 1,025 Australians, the share who said a death had a negative impact on them fell from 78% to 56% where people were prepared.
What does a plan include?
Most plans cover seven areas: legal (a current Will, an executor and powers of attorney, which differ by state); decisions and care (who speaks for you and the care you would want); money (bank accounts, super, insurance, debts and bills); digital life (devices, email and online accounts); home and dependants (property, pets and anyone who relies on you); funeral and memorial wishes; and legacy (your story and messages for the people you love).
Isn't a Will enough?
A Will says who receives your assets. It does not tell your family where things are, which accounts exist, what care you would want or what kind of funeral feels right. That is the gap end-of-life planning fills, alongside your Will and legal advice.
Who should I talk to?
The people closest to you, the person you choose as executor, your GP, and where needed a lawyer and financial adviser. Many people find the conversation easier once their wishes are written down.
How do I start?
- Take the free 3 minute Check to see where you stand gettingstarted.criticalinfo.com.au].
What if someone has just died?
Our guide What to Do When Someone Dies in Australia covers the first 48 hours, who to notify, arranging a funeral, and the estate, state by state My Loved one has died, what do I do now?
