Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal & Financial Services in Victoria
State Trustees is a Victorian Government-backed company with over 80 years of experience providing essential financial and legal services to Victorians during critical life moments. Established in 1940, we specialize in wills, powers of attorney, trusts, executor services, and financial administration, combining deep expertise with a commitment to client care. Our team of 500+ professionals delivers tailored solutions, ensuring legal compliance and long-term security for individuals, families, and charities.As a statutory corporation accountable to the Victorian people, we prioritize transparency, ethical standards, and community impact, including supporting reconciliation and inclusivity initiatives. Our services are designed to simplify complex legal processes, offering peace of mind through diligent execution and personalized guidance.
Services
Wills
Powers of Attorney
Trusts
Executor Services
Financial Administration
Attorneyship Administration
Deceased Estate Administration
Details
- Year established: 1940
Highlights and features
- We have over 80 years of experience serving Victorians with legal and financial matters.
- Our services are backed by the Victorian Government for accountability and reliability.
- We employ 500+ professionals specializing in estate planning and administration.
- We offer tailored solutions for complex and straightforward legal requirements.
- We prioritize client education and transparent communication throughout all services.
What people say
Professional service
Easy online process
Expert guidance
Reliable support
Competitive pricing
Services
Wills
We offer comprehensive will preparation services including online and in-person options. Our expert team helps clients create legally valid documents that reflect their wishes for asset distribution, guardianship, and funeral arrangements. Services cater to simple and complex estates with options for couples, special needs provisions, and trust creation. All wills include free registration and storage in Victoria.
Powers of Attorney
Our enduring power of attorney services protect clients' financial and personal interests during incapacity. We prepare documents appointing trusted individuals or professional trustees to manage affairs. Services include financial and personal powers of attorney, with expert guidance on appropriate scope and limitations for Victorian residents.
Executor Services
We act as professional executors managing estate administration with legal precision. Our services include probate applications, debt settlement, asset distribution, and tax compliance. With expertise in Victorian estate law, we handle complex estates while providing support to beneficiaries and reducing family burdens during difficult times.
Trusts
We create and administer various trust structures including testamentary, minors, and special disability trusts. Our services ensure proper asset management for beneficiaries' long-term needs while maintaining compliance with Australian trust laws. We offer ongoing trustee support for investment management and distribution according to trust deed requirements.
Financial Administration
We manage financial affairs for individuals unable to self-manage due to disability or incapacity. Our services include bill payment, investment management, and legal compliance for enduring power of attorney arrangements. We provide transparent reporting and prioritize clients' financial security through professional stewardship.
People
Melissa Reynolds
Chief Executive Officer
Accomplished senior executive with expertise in financial services and customer-focused leadership. Previously held executive roles at AGL and NAB, driving digital transformation and client-first cultures. Appointed CEO in 2024 to lead State Trustees' strategic direction.
Jennifer Acton
Chair
Legal and economic policy expert with over 20 years' tribunal experience. Appointed to State Trustees board in 2015, championing public benefit strategy and business transformation. Holds law and economics qualifications with Centenary Medal recognition for Australian societal contributions.
Josephine Brown
General Manager, Financial Administration
28-year financial services veteran with leadership roles at NAB and expertise in retail banking. Joined State Trustees in 2019, overseeing financial administration services including powers of attorney and deceased estates management.
Meaghan Morberger
General Manager, Trustee Services
Experienced financial services executive with specialist knowledge in client partnerships. Joined from MUFG Pension Services, bringing expertise in trust administration and client experience improvement. Appointed to lead trustee services in 2025.
Suman Joshi
Head of Strategy and Policy
20-year Victorian public sector leader with policy expertise across economic development and infrastructure. Joined State Trustees in 2023 to lead government relations and strategic communications initiatives.
Questions
What is the difference between a will and a power of attorney?
A will takes effect after death to distribute assets, while a power of attorney authorizes someone to manage your affairs during your lifetime if you become incapacitated.
Can I create a legally valid will online?
Yes, our online will service creates legally valid documents in Victoria, with free registration and storage available through the Victorian Will Registry.
What areas do you serve?
We operate across Victoria with office locations in Footscray and Dandenong. Online services are available Australia-wide for will and power of attorney preparation.
How are trust funds managed?
We administer trusts according to legal requirements, managing investments, making distributions, and providing financial reporting while prioritizing beneficiaries' best interests and compliance with trust instruments.
What happens if I need to update my will?
You can either add a codicil or create a new will. We recommend complete replacement for clarity, with new documents revoking previous versions to avoid legal complications.
