diff --git a/modules/backend/controllers/Users.php b/modules/backend/controllers/Users.php
index a2501aec7..ab5b7d8fa 100644
--- a/modules/backend/controllers/Users.php
+++ b/modules/backend/controllers/Users.php
@@ -186,7 +186,9 @@ class Users extends Controller
             $defaultGroupIds = UserGroup::where('is_new_user_default', true)->lists('id');
 
             $groupField = $form->getField('groups');
-            $groupField->value = $defaultGroupIds;
+            if ($groupField) {
+                $groupField->value = $defaultGroupIds;
+            }
         }
     }