Governance request template

Trust deed signing request template

A trust deed establishes a trust and sets out its terms, trustee powers and beneficiaries, sent for signing via Cosign.

Send a trust deed request Browse all templates

What is a trust deed?

A trust deed is the foundational document that creates a trust and governs how it operates. It names the key roles such as the settlor, trustee, appointor and beneficiaries, and sets out the trustee's powers, the trust's duration and how income and capital can be distributed. For discretionary or family trusts, the deed is the rulebook that the trustee must follow.

Correct execution of a trust deed matters because errors in signing or dating can affect when the trust is taken to have started and how it is treated. Stamping and state duty requirements may also apply depending on the jurisdiction. A signing tool helps you collect the required signatures on the final deed, but it does not replace advice from a lawyer or accountant on trust structure, tax and duty.

When to use a trust deed

Establishing a new discretionary, family or unit trust
Recording the settlor's settlement of the initial trust property
Having the trustee formally accept the trust and its terms
Executing a deed where an appointor's signature is required

What to include in a trust deed

Parties and roles: settlor, trustee, appointor and how beneficiaries are defined.
Trust property: the initial settled sum or asset that establishes the trust.
Trustee powers: investment, distribution and administrative powers granted by the deed.
Distribution rules: how income and capital may be allocated to beneficiaries.
Vesting and variation: the trust's end date and how the deed can be amended.

Pros and cons of sending a trust deed as a signing request

Pros

Collect settlor, trustee and appointor signatures on one final deed
Preview confirms the exact version before any party signs
Track opens and signatures so nothing is left incomplete
Completion receipt captures who signed and the date for your records

Cons and things to watch

Cosign does not advise on stamping, duty or signing order
Some jurisdictions have specific execution or witnessing rules to check
The tool sends and tracks; it does not draft or vary the deed
Get tax and legal advice before establishing or signing the trust

How to send a trust deed with Cosign

Upload the final trust deed and use preview to confirm names, roles and the settled sum are correct.
Add the trustee, settlor and any appointor as signers using their correct legal names and emails.
Set a 14-day expiry and apply password protection given the sensitive financial details.
Send the request, track each signature, and download the completion receipt once execution is complete.

Trust deed request details

Email subject

Trust deed signing request

Default message

Please review and sign this trust deed where required.

Signer setup

Trustee, settlor, or appointor

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Sign trust deed

Best fit

Governance teams

Trust deed FAQs

Is an electronically signed trust deed legally valid in Australia?

Electronic execution of deeds is generally permitted under Commonwealth and state laws, though requirements vary by jurisdiction and document type. Some deeds may have specific execution or stamping rules. Confirm your situation with a lawyer before relying on electronic signing.

Who needs to sign a trust deed?

Typically the settlor and the trustee sign, and an appointor may sign where the deed requires it. The exact signing parties depend on the deed and jurisdiction. Check the document before sending it for signature.

Does signing a trust deed in Cosign handle stamp duty?

No. Cosign sends and tracks the signing only. Stamping and duty obligations vary by state and territory and should be managed separately with your adviser.

Is my trust deed kept private when sent through Cosign?

Yes. Signers access the deed through a private link, and it is not published or indexed by search engines. You can add a password for extra access control over sensitive details.

Can I track whether the trustee and settlor have signed?

Yes. Cosign shows when each party opens, previews and signs, and can send reminders. You receive a completion receipt once all required signatures are in.