The NSW Government set up a free witnessing service for Enduring Powers of Attorney and Appointments of Enduring Guardian.
NSW law gives Registrars of the NSW Local Court this role. A Registrar is authorised to witness:
- your Enduring Power of Attorney — the financial document; and
- your Appointment of Enduring Guardian — the medical, personal and lifestyle document.
The service is free.
Legal Consolidated prepares your documents for the Local Court service
The Local Court does not complete documents, give legal advice or witness complex clauses requiring legal advice.
Legal Consolidated prepares your NSW POA and Enduring Guardian to fit the Local Court’s requirements. The documents use the current forms and avoid unnecessary or exotic clauses.
The Legal Consolidated Enduring Guardian does not grant authority concerning restrictive practices.
What do I take to the Local Court?
Before contacting the Court:
- print the Legal Consolidated POA and Enduring Guardian that we prepared for you;
- have suitable photographic identification ready; and
- do not sign the documents before meeting the Registrar.
Use the NSW Local Court registry page to find your nearest Court. Telephone the registry and ask for an appointment with the Registrar.
What do I say when telephoning the Local Court?
Say:
Hello. I would like to book the Registrar witnessing service for my Enduring Power of Attorney and Appointment of Enduring Guardian. They are the current forms and contain no complex or non-standard clauses. The Appointment of Enduring Guardian does not grant authority concerning restrictive practices. I have not signed the documents. Please book both documents for witnessing.
What if the Local Court declines?
Remain courteous.
Ask the Court to email its decision and the reason for declining to witness the document. Say:
I understand that you must follow your instructions. Would you please email me confirmation that the Local Court declines to witness my Appointment of Enduring Guardian and explain the reason?
Forward the Court’s email to lawyer@legalconsolidated.com. Legal Consolidated will pursue the matter.
Did the 2026 Regulation end the free service?
No.
The Guardianship Regulation 2026 (NSW) started on 1 September 2026. It introduced a new Enduring Guardian form with an optional function addressing restrictive practices.
This created uncertainty at some Local Courts. However, the Regulation did not remove Registrars from the Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW). Registrars remain authorised to witness Enduring Guardians.
The Regulation also does not affect the separate Powers of Attorney Act 2003 (NSW). Registrars remain authorised to witness Enduring Powers of Attorney.
The NSW Local Court’s published guidance confirms that Registrars are authorised witnesses for both documents and directs people to contact the Local Court for an appointment.
The NSW Government intended this to be a free public service. Legal Consolidated POAs and Enduring Guardians are prepared so that you can use the Local Court’s free service.