Deeds of variation and confirmation
Each deed is prepared by our independent legal partner from the existing deed and signed off before it is issued. Order online, through Claude, or with a PDF order form.
Where a customer is not covered by an AML/CTF reliance arrangement, CoSec Partners performs the customer due diligence itself and a one-off AML/KYC Screening Fee (from $150 + GST ($165)) is added to the order.
How it works
Ordering a deed
1
Order online or through Claude
Tell us about the trust or fund, its trustee and what should change. It takes about ten minutes, and you check every detail before you submit.
2
Send us the existing deed
Reply to the order confirmation with the deed and every past variation attached, or upload them on the order in the client portal.
3
Our legal partner prepares the deed
The power of variation is checked first. If the change needs more than a standard deed, we contact you before any work is done.
4
Sign and keep
We send the deed for signing with instructions. Add a printed and bound register pack if you want one. Stamping, where a state requires it, is an additional fee.
Setting up a new trust or fund instead? See trust deeds and SMSF establishment.
Common questions
Is the fixed distribution election law yet?
No. The proposed 30 per cent minimum tax on discretionary trusts and the fixed distribution election are in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 3) Bill 2026, introduced on 14 October 2026. The bill can still change in Parliament, and we will update this page when it passes.
Do you advise on whether a trust should make the election?
No. Whether to elect, restructure or do nothing is a tax question for the trust’s own adviser. We prepare the deed only, so that it is ready for whichever decision the adviser reaches.
What if the deed has no power of variation?
Our legal partner checks the power of variation before preparing anything. If the deed does not allow the change you have asked for, we tell you before work starts.
Can a variation trigger stamp duty or a resettlement?
It can, depending on the change and the state. We do not give tax or duty advice, so please check the change with the trust’s adviser before ordering. Stamping, where a state requires it, is an additional fee.
When is a deed of confirmation the right choice?
When the original signed deed cannot be found after a proper search. It is always better to find the deed, so the order asks what has been tried, such as prior advisers, the bank and trustee minutes. A deed of confirmation records the trust’s terms as best they can be established.
What do you need from us after ordering?
A copy of the existing deed and every deed of variation, and for a unit trust the register of unit holders. For a deed of confirmation, any copy or draft you hold. Reply to the order confirmation email with them attached, or upload them on the order in the client portal.
Can we order through Claude?
Yes. Firms approved for ordering through Claude can order every deed on this page in a conversation, with the same prices and the same summary to check before anything is placed.
Order a deed of variation or confirmation.
Each deed is prepared from the existing deed and signed off by our independent legal partner. Order online, or talk to our team about a group of trusts.