We have an in-house secure document storage facility known as safe custody.
The following policies apply to documents placed in or retrieved from safe custody.
On this page:
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you means a person who uses our safe custody facility;
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documents means your completed Will and other important original documents, such as certificates of title; and
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photo ID means a photographic identity document (eg current passport or drivers' licence).
You are welcome to store a reasonable number of your documents in our safe custody facility. There is no charge for storing these documents.
Our requirements are set out below; however, we reserve the right to make such further enquiries as we see fit before we release any documents.
In person
By you
You may collect your documents from our offices during business hours. Please telephone us on 9220 4446 at least 24 hours in advance of collection to enable us to have the documents ready for you. You must give us photo ID.
By a person acting on your behalf (your agent)
Your agent (even if it's your spouse) must:
- give us an original authority signed by you authorising us to release the documents to your agent. The authority must identify each document to be released;
- give us photo ID; and
- satisfy us that you are of sound mind.
We will only release a photocopy of documents (not the originals) to your agent appointed under an Enduring Power of Attorney.
There is no charge for collecting documents in person.
By mail
You must give us a written request for the return of your documents including your return address, your telephone number and payment of an administration charge of $30. We will send you your documents by registered mail.
Retrieval by your executor or administrator after your death
In person
We require:
- photo ID for your executor or administrator,
- a copy of the death certificate; and
- written authority from any executor who does not attend our office.
Collections by mail
We require:
- a request signed by all executors including a return address
- a copy of the death certificate; and
- payment of an administration charge of $30.
In these circumstances we welcome the opportunity to discuss the administration of the estate with you and offer you any assistance you may require at an initial consultation.
If you'd like to update your Will, we're happy to assist. Please visit our Wills page. If you make a new Will with us, we'll update our safe custody records automatically.
If you make a new Will without instructing us, please send us a letter or email:
- notifying us you've made a new Will; and
- giving us your current mailing address.
We will update our records and return your Will to you by mail for destruction.