End of life planning
In this section: Financial & Legal information | Conversations about the end of life | Making a will | Making an advance personal plan | Assisted dying legislation in the NT
Conversations about the end of life
Research found that while 8 in 10 Australians think it’s important to talk about their end-of-life wishes, only one in four have actually had the conversation.
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Making a will
Making a will is the only way to make sure your money, property and personal belongings to the people you want to receive them. In the Northern Territory, the Public Trustee may be able to assist you with making a will (more).
Comprehensive information is available on the Northern Territory Public Guardian and Trustee website.
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Making an advance personal plan
Also known as a living will, an advance personal plan will only take effect when you lose decision-making capacity while you are still alive. It does not replace your will (more). It is a legal document that will set out your future health, financial and life choices should you be unable to make decisions for yourself.
Comprehensive information is available on the Northern Territory Public Guardian and Trustee website.
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Assisted dying legislation
In the Northern Territory, the jurisdiction does not allow voluntary assisted dying
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More information about end of life planning is available to COTA NT members in the White Papers section of the Members only pages.
Resources
Page updated 6 November 2025
