Client Services
Safe Custody of Important Documents
As a service to clients, Parke Lawyers provides secure safe custody storage for important original documents at no additional charge. Documents commonly held in safe custody include wills, powers of attorney, certificates of title and other significant legal documents.
Section 1
Documents we commonly hold.
Safe custody is designed for original legal documents whose loss or damage would be difficult — or impossible — to remedy. The most frequently held items include:
- Original wills
- Powers of attorney
- Advance care directives
- Certificates of title
- Trust deeds
- Estate planning documents
- Other important legal records
Section 2
Requesting release of documents.
Clients may request the release of documents held in safe custody by completing a Safe Custody Document Release Request. The form captures the documents being requested, the identity of the person collecting them and any additional authority where collection is on behalf of another person.
Completed requests can be returned by post or in person at either of our offices. Please allow time for identification checks before documents are made available for collection.
Section 3
Identification requirements.
To protect the security and confidentiality of documents held in safe custody, Parke Lawyers must be satisfied as to the identity of the person requesting release.
Acceptable primary identification
- · Current Australian driver licence
- · Government-issued photo identification card
Together with one of
- · Australian passport (current or expired within the last two years)
- · Current foreign passport
- · Full birth certificate
What is a certified copy? A certified copy is a photocopy of an original identification document that an authorised person — typically a lawyer, police officer, pharmacist, justice of the peace or postmaster — has sighted alongside the original and signed to confirm the copy is a true and accurate reproduction. Certified copies must be current and clearly legible.
Section 4
Collecting documents on behalf of another person.
Additional requirements apply where a person is requesting release on behalf of the owner of the documents — for example, where the owner has lost capacity, has passed away or has otherwise authorised another person to collect on their behalf.
In these circumstances, evidence of legal authority (such as an enduring power of attorney, grant of probate, letters of administration or written authority from the owner) will be required in addition to the identification listed above. Please refer to the release request form for the detailed requirements that apply to your circumstances.
Section 5
What happens next.
The release process is straightforward and follows four steps.
1
Complete and sign the release request form.
Download the Safe Custody Document Release Request, complete each section in full and sign where indicated.
2
Provide the required identification documents.
Supply certified copies of the identification listed below so we can verify your identity before releasing any documents.
3
Parke Lawyers reviews the request and verifies authority.
We confirm your identity, review the request and check any additional authority required where you are collecting on behalf of another person.
4
Documents become available for collection or return.
Once all requirements are satisfied, your documents are made available for collection at our office or returned in accordance with your instructions.
Section 6
Contact us about safe custody.
If you have questions regarding documents held in safe custody with Parke Lawyers, please get in touch.