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Wills, estates and trusts

The Public Trustee provides a range of financial and legal services to eligible South Australians including:

  • will preparation
  • estate administration
  • financial services

Eligible South Australians include concession holders or those subject to administration or protection orders issued by SACAT or the Courts.

The Public Trustee also acts as:

  • executor and trustee of deceased estates
  • manager of protected estates
  • litigation guardian (where necessary).

If you need help with a will, estate or trust and you aren’t eligible for assistance from the Public Trustee, the Law Society of SA can refer you to a lawyer.

Wills
Everyone should have a will that accurately reflects their wishes. If you don’t, or it’s not well prepared, it can lead to legal challenges, long delays and your assets might not be distributed as you wanted.

Find out more about wills services on the Public Trustee website.
Executor services

The death of a family member or friend is a difficult time, and trying to finalise their affairs while you're grieving can be overwhelming.

The Public Trustee can act as an executor in the administration of an estate. They make sure all assets are accounted for, all debts are paid, and that the wishes of the person who has died, including inheritance, are carried out.

Find out more about how Public Trustee can help you finalise a loved one’s affairs.

Personal financial administration
 

The Public Trustee administers the personal financial and legal affairs of people who are unable to manage their own affairs.

This happens when the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) or the court appoints the Public Trustee as administrator or manager.

You might not be able to manage your financial affairs because of: 

  • age
  • illness
  • disability
  • absence.

Find out more about personal financial administration.

 Enduring Power of Attorney

An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that appoints someone you trust to manage your assets and financial affairs while you are alive, if you can’t. This includes paying your bills, investing your money and managing your property.

More information about Power of Attorney.

 Trusts
 A trust is a legal relationship where one person or organisation, the trustee, manages the assets for the benefit of another person or organisation, the beneficiary.

People often establish trusts in their will to provide ongoing financial security for their family such as their partner, children, and/or grandchildren. People can also start a trust for a charity.

Find out more about trust services.

 Tax returns
 The Public Trustee handles a large number of taxation returns each year. They can assist with your tax return no matter where you live in Australia, and you don’t need to be an existing Public Trustee customer or beneficiary for them to help you prepare and lodge your tax return.

Find out more about taxation services.