The Public Trustee and Guardian ('PTG') promotes and assists people to engage Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) making services to the ACT community and surrounding area/s (such as Murrumbateman, Yass Valley, Bungendore, Queanbeyan Region, etc.).

PTG recognises the need to support the ACT community and deliver enhanced service options.

PTG has partnered with Safewill to offer online EPAs. PTG's partnership with Safewill allows the community to access an easier, quicker EPA-service with significant benefits to those who require an EPA, have access to and feel comfortable in making their EPA online, and/or do not wish to attend a meeting at an office location.

PTG have engaged a local Canberra Law firm to provide traditional in EPA drafting services for persons preferring to meet with a lawyer directly.

Who is Safewill?

Safewill is the leading provider of Will/EPA-writing services in Australia, with a focus on bringing Wills into the 21^st century through the leading use of digital technology.

How can I access the Safewill service?

Follow the link to the Safewill website to complete your EPA application.

The cost is $99 per EPA. You will also need to enter your credit/debit card details to pay the relevant fee.

Is the Safewill EPA legally reviewed?

Yes, Safewill legally reviews every EPA generated on their platform to ensure you have completed the EPA correctly, before providing it to you for signing. Please note that the review does not include bespoke legal advice. If there are any issues in your completion of the EPA you will be notified and given the opportunity to amend the document or seek advice.

How do I receive my EPA?

Once your EPA has been legally reviewed, it will be provided to you electronically with instructions on how to print and properly execute the EPA by obtaining the required signatures.

Where are the EPAs generated by Safewill stored?

Safewill does not directly store original EPAs – this will need to be printed, signed and held by you. You are able to upload a signed copy of your EPA to your Safewill account to be digitally stored. Safewill will also retain the information that you have provided in completing your EPA application as part of your account.

Can I change my Safewill EPA?

Yes, Safewill offers unlimited amendments to your EPA for the first 12 months. If you would like to retain unlimited changes, you can add this for just $15 per annum.

Can the PTG store the original EPA made via Safewill for safekeeping?

Yes, you can deposit your current EPA with the PTG, in the PTG's Will Register, for safe keeping, at the current one-off fee of $214 per EPA.

Please note that additional fees in relation to search, certified copies, and withdrawal of the original EPA may also later apply. The current fee structure for the Will Register is available on the PTG's website.

If you wish to proceed with the depositing of your EPA, then please contact the PTG's Client Service Team at (02) 6207 9800 and they will assist you with an appointment to bring your original EPA to the PTG for lodgement.

Can the Public Trustee and Guardian still write my EPA?

The Public Trustee and Guardian has engaged the services of a local Canberra law firm to prepare Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney documentation for people who wish to have an in person appointment.

The cost of an EPA when combined with a Will is $150 or $100 each for a couple. A standalone EPA can be prepared for $300.

I know what I want to do, can I prepare my own EPA?

Yes. The Public Trustee and Guardian has published a booklet “The Power to Choose” which contains information about how and EPA operates, who can be appointed and how to execute the document for it to be legally valid. This is designed for people who wish to put this in place for themselves and do not require any advice or guidance in the process.

Hardcopies of this booklet can be collected from our office or you can request that one be posted to you by contacting our office via email PTG@act.gov.au or phone 02 6207 9800.