Succession Nerd | Wifey | Mummy | Wills, Estates & Elder Lawyer
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 is a suggestion that arises throughout many estate disputes that the claim of a widow on an estate should be paramount to those of other family member who survive the deceased person. However, as each case is determined on it's merits, this is not always the case. Yesterday, the Supreme Court of New South Wales … Continue reading Wife support: FPA by widow dismissed with costs (NSW)
Last week, the Supreme Court of New South Wales published a judgement in a estate matter where the question of whether a Will was "made in contemplation of marriage" was a central focus of their attention. In the case of Re Estate Grant, deceased [2018] NSWSC 1031, the deceased made a Will dated on about … Continue reading What is “Contemplation of marriage”: Marriage revokes Will in blended family (NSW)
For those of my readers who are not familiar with estate litigation matters, it is common for parties to apply to the Court to "sign-off" on negotiated outcomes following a private mediation. This is particularly so where the estate property is comprised of real property. As such, I thought it worthwhile to write a short note on the latest case of Roberts … Continue reading A Shared Life: Family provision claim by same-sex defacto of 30 years
Her Honour Justice Atkinson delivered judgement on the case of McIntosh v McIntosh on 16 May 2014. This case involved an application for directions by the Administrator of an estate regarding the superannuation proceeds paid directly to her as beneficiary (at the discretion of the trustees). The administrator was the deceased's mother. The deceased was survived … Continue reading Two Hats: Administrator & Super fund beneficiary = breach of fiduciary duty and account for profits
