Will Kits in the NT: Signing and Witnessing Rules

The Northern Territory Government's own will page mentions do-it-yourself kits from Australia Post and some newsagents as one way to make a will, as long as you read and follow every instruction. The rules those kits need to meet are in the Wills Act 2000. This page summarises them, the NT Public Trustee's fees and the Territory's advance personal plan, all checked on 30 October 2026.

This is general information, not legal advice. Will and power of attorney rules differ by state and territory. For advice on your situation, speak to a lawyer or your state's Public Trustee. AustralianWillKit.com.au is an independent guide operated by Dominet BV. We aren't a law firm, we don't sell wills or kits, and we don't draft wills. No link on this site is an affiliate link right now. We may earn a commission from will providers in future when a reader buys through a link on this site. If that happens we'll label those links and explain it in our affiliate disclosure, and it won't change the facts we publish. Rules, fees and prices were checked on official and provider websites on 30 October 2026 and can change. Read our general information notice.

NT will rules at a glance

We read the Wills Act 2000 as in force at 1 January 2022 on the NT legislation website.

What makes an NT will valid

Section 8 of the Wills Act 2000 says a will is not valid unless:

• it is in writing and signed by you, or by someone else in your presence and at your direction
• the signature is made or acknowledged by you in the presence of 2 or more witnesses present at the same time
• at least 2 of those witnesses attest and sign the will in your presence

The witnesses don't have to sign in each other's presence. Your signature must be made with the intention of executing the will, but it doesn't have to be at the foot of the will, and the will doesn't need an attestation clause.

The NT Government's make a will page summarises it as a will that is dated and signed in front of two, preferably independent, witnesses who are not beneficiaries. It also warns that if a will doesn't meet all the legal requirements, or isn't clear, your executor may need to employ a lawyer to have it interpreted by a court.

The beneficiary witness rule in the NT

Section 12 says that if a will gives a beneficial gift to a person who witnesses it, the gift is void to the extent it concerns that person. The rest of the will stands. The gift survives only if:

• at least 2 of the witnesses aren't people who receive a gift under the will
• everyone who would benefit from the gift failing consents in writing, or
• a court is satisfied you knew and approved of the gift and made it freely and voluntarily

The practical answer is the one the NT Government gives: use independent witnesses who aren't beneficiaries. Our who can witness a will table compares every state and territory.

Step by step: signing a kit will in the NT

1. Read the whole kit before you start. The NT Government says to carefully read and follow all instructions in the kit.
2. Fill it in and check that names, gifts and the executor are clear.
3. Arrange two adult witnesses who receive nothing under the will.
4. Date the will and sign it while both witnesses are present.
5. Each witness signs while you watch.
6. Don't alter the will after signing. Make a new will if you change your mind.
7. Store the original. The Public Trustee stores wills free (see below).

Is a will kit legal in the NT?

Yes, a kit will can be valid in the NT if it meets section 8 and you had capacity. The NT Government lists three ways to make a will: ask a solicitor to prepare one, buy a do-it-yourself kit from an Australia Post office or some newsagencies, or make a will with the Public Trustee if you're eligible. Our guide to whether a will kit is legal covers the conditions, and will kits compared sets out the options. We couldn't read Australia Post's kit pages on 30 October 2026, so we don't quote a kit price.

Marriage and divorce

Marriage. Section 14 says a will is revoked by your marriage. It doesn't revoke a gift to, or appointment of, the person you are married to at your death. A will made in contemplation of a marriage, whether or not the will says so, isn't revoked by that marriage, and a will expressed to be made in contemplation of marriage generally isn't revoked by your marriage.

Divorce or annulment. Section 15 says divorce or annulment revokes gifts to your former spouse and their appointment as executor, trustee, advisory trustee or guardian, along with some powers of appointment. A marriage ends by divorce when the decree becomes absolute under the Family Law Act 1975, by a decree of nullity, or by a recognised overseas dissolution or annulment.

See our guide to updating a will.

NT Public Trustee wills and fees

The NT Government page says the Public Trustee can prepare and update wills for certain people, including existing clients who already have a will with it, people who want to name the Public Trustee as executor, and pension concession holders. You can book an appointment online or by phone.

The will and estate management fees page listed these will fees on 30 October 2026:

Naming the Public Trustee as executor means it administers your estate later, and the same page lists estate administration fees. Read them before you decide. For a national comparison, see how much a will costs.

Storing your will

The NT Government says you can store your will for free at the Public Trustee office in a specially maintained vault, by booking a will storage appointment online through Territory Services. Your bank or solicitor can also store it for a fee.

Advance personal plan: the NT's version of a power of attorney

The NT uses an advance personal plan to appoint decision makers and record your wishes for the future. The NT Government's advance personal plan page says the plan must be witnessed by one of:

• a justice of the peace or commissioner for oaths
• a police officer
• a legal practitioner
• a health professional
• an accountant
• a chief executive officer of a local government authority
• a social worker
• an NT school principal

You can register the plan at no cost with the Public Guardian and Trustee. If the plan includes a person who can make decisions about land you own, you must register the original with the Land Titles Office and pay a fee. See our power of attorney guide.

Who can make a will in the NT

Section 7 says a will made by a minor is not valid, subject to the exceptions in the Act and court-authorised wills for minors under Part 3. The NT Government says you must be 18 years or older and of sound mind to make a will.

Frequently asked questions

How many witnesses does a will need in the NT?

Two or more, present at the same time when you sign or acknowledge your signature, under section 8 of the Wills Act 2000.

Can a beneficiary witness a will in the NT?

They can sign, but section 12 makes their gift void unless at least 2 other witnesses aren't beneficiaries, the affected people consent in writing, or a court is satisfied. Use independent witnesses.

Where can I buy a will kit in the NT?

The NT Government mentions kits from Australia Post offices and some newsagencies. Read and follow every instruction.

How much is a Public Trustee will in the NT?

$154.00 for a simple will naming the Public Trustee as executor, or $30.80 for concession holders, according to the fees page on 30 October 2026. The Public Trustee prepares wills only for certain people.

Can I store my will for free in the NT?

Yes. The NT Government says the Public Trustee stores wills free in a specially maintained vault.

Does divorce cancel my will in the NT?

It revokes gifts to your former spouse and their appointments under section 15. The rest of the will can still apply.