Succession Nerd | Wifey | Mummy | Wills, Estates & Elder Lawyer
Will making is sometimes pretty complex work. The plan will always be unique to a person’s wishes and the personal circumstances. Every so often, I receive instructions from clients to include an ‘option’ for one of their family or friends to purchase their property. Usually, this is because they’re trying to balance at least two … Continue reading Optional Extra: Court held exercise of Option to Purchase not done properly
There is certainly no question that superannuation is a complex beast. Add to that the self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) variety and it will keep you busy, with it's complex twists and turns, for days. I read a case recently that is no different. A shout-out to a fellow nerd, Clifford Hughes, for bringing this case … Continue reading Decisions, Decisions: ‘bad faith’ SMSF Trustee discretion decision set aside, Trustee removed
For a while now, it's been a hazy question asked by succession lawyers alike about whether an attorney can make or renew a binding death benefit nomination for their principal's superannuation policy proceeds. On 24 August 2018, Justice Bowskill of the Supreme Court of Queensland delivered a decision on this very topic. The case of … Continue reading Renewable Power: Court permits Attorney to renew superannuation nomination (QLD)
It appears to be raining estate and trust law cases from the High Court of Australia over the last two weeks. Yesterday, the High Court of Australia ordered a new trial be held in relation to solemn form probate proceedings in Nobarani v Mariconte [2018] HCA 36 on the basis that the appellant as denied … Continue reading Missing element: High Court orders new trial in solemn form probate proceedings; denial of procedural fairness
In an unusual case published a few weeks ago, the Western Australian Court of Appeal allowed an extension of time for an adult son to bring a claim against his late father's estate 7 years after the time limit expired. The claim was dismissed at first instance and the adult son appealed asserting 9 different … Continue reading FPA 7 years out of time: Allowed on Appeal (WA)
Sadly, it's not often I read of a case where the applicant/plaintiff's endeavours lack self-interest. Given the nature of estate litigation, generally in a good portion of the cases, self-interest takes a front seat. Of course, that doesn't mean to say that it is greed or something sinister that drives a person to take … Continue reading Selfless surrender: defacto partner applies for Statutory Will to benefit mother and sisters (NSW)
It’s likely been in your news feed recently that an unsent text message was held by a Queensland Court to be a valid Will. It may seem quite unbelievable to some that this would even happen! On the other hand, maybe it doesn’t? Reviewing the comments that appear in many of the media articles online … Continue reading The Unsent Text Message Will: Is it really that simple? No – it’s really not!
