The Office of the Public Trustee and Guardian (PTG) has adopted a new policy for making Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA).
The Office said the changes were necessary to comply with current government restrictions and guidelines for all but essential services and to protect the health and safety of its staff and clients.
“Under this revised policy, PTG will only make Wills and EPA’s for persons in Emergency situations,” the Office said.
“For these purposes, ‘Emergency’ means where the person is gravely or terminally ill.
“In these Emergency situations, please call our switchboard on 6207 9800 during business hours to enquire about making an appointment.”
The PTG said no fee was payable for Wills or EPAs made in accordance with the new policy during COVID-19.
“Should we agree to go ahead and make your Will/EPA, one of our staff will contact you to make the necessary arrangements,” it said.
“We will take your instructions by phone and make a draft of the Will/EPA.”
It said the draft document would either be emailed or a member of staff would visit the place of residence to confirm and finalise it.
“During the visit, our staff will wear a mask and gloves and may ask you to also wear a mask.”
The PTG said the meeting would also seek to identify the applicant, ensure they had capacity to make a Will/EPA and were making the Will/EPA freely and voluntarily without coercion.
