The Public Trustee and Guardian ('PTG') promotes and assists people to engage Will 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 standard Wills PTG's partnership with Safewill allows the community to access an easier, quicker Will-service with significant benefits to those who require a simple Will, have access to and feel comfortable in making their Will 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 person standard Will drafting services for persons preferring to meet with a lawyer directly.

What is a Standard Will?

Standard Wills are suitable for people that do not have complex needs and do not require direct legal advice. They are best suited to individuals whose family and asset circumstances are straightforward, for example, if all your children are from your current relationship or if you do not have children.

What if my circumstances are more complex?

Complex Wills are best suited to members that have blended family situations or hold complex assets such as self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF), a business or family trust. Often, they will need the direct advice and guidance of a lawyer to ensure their Will appropriately meets their instructions.

If you need a complex will, the law firm engaged by PTG can provide you with a cost estimate for your needs or you may want to seek out another law firm to assist you. Alternatively, you can access a complex Will through Safewill for $399.

Use the table below to decide which type of Will suits your needs:

Who is Safewill?

Safewill is the leading provider of Will-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 Will application.

The cost is $120 for a single standard Will, or $200 for two Wills if your partner/spouse also wants to make their Will. If you would like to access a complex Will with Safewill, you can do so for $399. You will also need to enter your credit/debit card details to pay the relevant fee.

Is the Safewill Will legally reviewed?

Yes, Safewill legally reviews every Will generated on their platform to ensure you have completed the Will 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 standard online Will you will be notified and given the opportunity to amend the document or seek advice.

How do I receive my Will?

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

Where are the Wills generated by Safewill stored?

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

Can I change my Safewill Will?

Yes, Safewill offers unlimited amendments to your Will 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 Will made via Safewill for safekeeping?

Yes, you can deposit your current Will with the PTG, in the PTG's Will Register, for safe keeping, at the current one-off fee of $220 per Will.

Please note that additional fees in relation to search, certified copies, and withdrawal of the original Will 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 Will, then please contact the PTG's Appointments Booking Team at (02) 6207 9800 and they will assist you with an appointment to bring your original Will to the PTG for lodgement.

Can the Public Trustee and Guardian still write my Will?

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 is $424 for a single Will, or $744 for two Wills if your partner/spouse also wants to make their Will. You can pay for your Will during your appointment directly with the law firm.

The law firm can also prepare Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA). The cost of an EPA when combined with a Will is $155 or $104 each for a couple. A standalone EPA can be prepared for $310.

Does Safewill also provide the ability to purchase an Enduring Power of Attorney?

Yes, an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) can be produced in the Safewill platform for $99. If the client’s spouse also requires an EPA this will also be charged at $99.

What happens if I already have a Will with PTG but want to amend it?

Clients who already have a Will with the PTG but require a change to it can either make a new Will with Safewill via the online platform or can make an appointment with the Canberra law firm. Costs as above will apply for each option.