“Future You” Will Thank You: Why Women in Health Need a Will (and how to start, simply)

You hold space for everyone else—clients, kids, partners, patients. But if something happened to you tomorrow, would your wishes be clear? Would your child’s guardian be obvious? Would your clinic assets, Stripe, and super be easy to find? A will isn’t morbid; it’s an act of care. It protects your people, your practice, and your peace of mind.

Why this matters specifically for health practitioners (especially women)

• You’re a carer and a breadwinner. Many women practitioners are running a clinic and a household. A will ensures guardianship, asset distribution, and instructions aren’t left to chance or conflict.
• You run a small business. Who can access your bank/Stripe/ThriveCart, patient records, stock, and IP? Without instructions (and an executor), your business can grind to a halt when your family most needs support.
• You’ve built a brand. Your trademarks, website, course content, and license agreements are assets. A will (and ideally a simple “when I’m not here” playbook) keeps decisions out of crisis mode.

Bottom line: a will isn’t “nice to have.” It’s essential risk management for your life and your practice.

“I’ll do it later” is the most expensive plan

Hard truth: delay shifts decisions to grieving family or a public trustee process. That can mean extra cost, time, and emotional strain—exactly when people need clarity and compassion. Setting this up now is one of the kindest gifts you’ll ever give your loved ones. (Practical note: in Australia, each state has specific execution rules; in NZ, similar principles apply. Sign and witness correctly, and store securely.)

What a simple, practitioner-friendly estate plan includes

• A valid will (executor named, guardianship for minors, beneficiaries, specific gifts, digital assets).
• Enduring Powers (financial and personal/health decisions if you lose capacity).
• A one-pager for your executor (how to access key logins, accounts, subscriptions, clinic software, dispensary, domain registrar, socials, course platforms, and current liabilities).
• A short “practice wind-down” note (who to call, where policies live, how to handle client records, refunds, subscriptions, collaborations).

Getting it done: low-friction pathways

1) Online guided will services

Modern platforms let you complete a legally-valid will in under an hour with prompts and optional legal reviews. Safewill operates across Australia and provides guided options; in NZ, Public Trust and other providers offer online creation—both are genuine “get it done” options if your situation is straightforward.

2) Public Trustees (AU/NZ)

If you prefer an in-person or government-backed service, NSW Trustee & Guardian (and equivalents) prepare wills, EPAs and guardianship documents; NZ’s Public Trust offers similar services and secure document storage. Great for those who want hand-holding and centralised storage.

3) Private lawyers (AU/NZ)

Ideal if you have blended families, trusts, companies, complex IP/licensing, or international assets. Some firms also integrate with online platforms for hybrid convenience.

Tip: Whatever route you take, review your will every 2–3 years or after major life changes (marriage, separation, new child, new company, property purchase). Keep certified copies and a simple “where everything is” list.

What about New Zealand-based practitioners?

NZ practitioners (and Aussie practitioners with NZ ties) can use Public Trust for wills and EPAs, with online creation available. Some charities also partner with online will providers for limited-time offers—handy if budget is tight and your affairs are simple.

A gentle nudge (from one woman in health to another)

If you’ve built a practice from scratch, navigated compliance, and held space for tough consults—you can absolutely tick “will” off your list. Do it for your kids. Do it for your future self. Do it so your loved ones aren’t left decoding your business in a crisis.

Resources (save these)

• Safewill (AU/NZ): guided online wills; good for straightforward estates
• NSW Trustee & Guardian (AU): in-person and remote will/estate services; secure storage
• Public Trust (NZ): online and in-person wills, EPAs, estate administration
• Moneysmart (AU): plain-English guidance on wills, EPAs, and practical paperwork

General information only, not legal or financial advice. Please seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances.