Trust services

Change of trust name.

A trust's name is a label, but changing it still requires a deed executed by the person with the power to vary, and every register that carries the old name needs updating.

Lawyer prepared

Deeds drafted and settled by a lawyer, not a form generator.

Fast turnaround

Standard deeds prepared within one business day of instructions.

Fixed fee, quoted first

Fixed fee quoted first, with any duty payable set out up front.

Compliant documents

Trustee Act, Duties Act and ATO practice considered on every deed.

What changing a trust name involves.

We check the variation power in the deed, prepare the deed of change of name, and provide the updated details for the ATO, bank, land titles, share registries and any PPSR registrations that identify the trust.

The trust itself continues unchanged, same trustee, same assets, same TFN and ABN, which is exactly what the deed needs to make clear.

Do not use a name change to disguise a substantive variation. Changing beneficiaries or entitlements at the same time is a different exercise with different consequences.

Why it pays to have this done properly.

Documented properly

A short deed executed under the correct power, so the change is provable to banks and registries.

Records aligned

We give you the list of registers, accounts and titles that need updating so nothing is left in the old name.

Continuity preserved

Drafted to confirm the trust continues, avoiding any suggestion of a resettlement.

Is this you?.

  • The trust name includes a surname that no longer applies
  • The name is confusing or duplicated within the group
  • A rebrand means the trading and trust names should match
  • The bank or ATO records do not match the deed

If any of these sound familiar, a short conversation will tell you whether this is the right document, and what it costs, before you commit.

How it works.

  1. 01

    Tell us what you need

    Start online or call us. We take short instructions, names, roles, structure and timing, and confirm this is the right document for what you are actually trying to achieve.

  2. 02

    We check the detail

    We confirm eligibility, consents, existing documents and any tax or duty consequence before drafting, so nothing is discovered after lodgement.

  3. 03

    We prepare and lodge

    We draft the deed of change of name and updated trust records, send it for signing with clear instructions on who signs what and when, and attend to any ASIC, State Revenue Office or ATO lodgement.

  4. 04

    You get a complete file

    You receive executed documents, registers and confirmations in a single organised pack, plus a short note on what to keep and what happens next.

Fees.

Fixed fee for the deed. Any SRO lodgement or title updates are itemised at cost.

Request a fixed-fee quote

FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

Still unsure? Call us on (03) 9008 7224 and speak to a lawyer, not a call centre.

Does the trust need a new ABN or TFN?
No. The trust continues, so its ABN and TFN remain, though the ATO record should be updated.
Is duty payable?
Ordinarily not for a name change alone, but we confirm the position before the deed is signed.
Who signs the deed?
The trustee, usually with the consent of the appointor, depending on the variation power in the deed.

Ready to get started with change of trust name?.

Start online or book a consultation with a CMK Legal commercial lawyer in Richmond, Melbourne.