Yesterday I finished a trial of an FPA in the Supreme Court. The judgment is reserved and will be interesting because Ryan J is considering to what extent benefits that an applicant is to receive, or potentially receive, under the NDIS can be taken into account in determining whether adequate provision has been made and … Continue reading NDIS and FPAs
Barring claims under s68 Trusts Act
This is a case I was involved in last month. Judgment was given yesterday. Finnegan v Garner [2019] QSC 100 The deceased died leaving a wife and eight children (including two step-children). He and his wife separated in 2000, but did not divorce. The estate was worth just under $1m. It was believed that the … Continue reading Barring claims under s68 Trusts Act
Rectification where instructions given through an intermediary
Judgment was given this morning by Henry J in a rectification case where the deceased had given instructions for a will through his daughter. His Honour found "it is trite that instructions can be conveyed by an agent" and rectified the will to accord with those instructions. Read Fitzgerald v Rowley [2019] QSC 21 here.
What is a “Purported will”?
S33Z of the Succession Act (Qld) provides that a person who has possession or control of a will of a deceased testator must, if asked, allow an entitled person to inspect the will and/or give a certified copy of the will on payment of the person’s reasonable expenses. will includes— (a) a purported will or revoked will; and (b) a part … Continue reading What is a “Purported will”?
Another video will
This week Jackson J admitted a video recording to probate, made by the deceased and comprising a file on his personal computer. In it, the deceased said "My girlfriend would like me to do a will before I pick up my motorcycle. As I am too lazy, I’ll just say it... I’ll fill out the … Continue reading Another video will
Court confirms attorney can make BDBN
Last Friday, Bowskill J of the Queensland Supreme Court held that a binding death benefit nomination (BDBN) made by attorneys was valid, in circumstances where the BDBN was confirming a nomination previously made by the principal. The judgment is very well reasoned and a relatively easy read. CAUTION - this case should not be treated … Continue reading Court confirms attorney can make BDBN
Removal of executors at loggerheads
In a judgment delivered this morning, Davis J removed two executors who were at loggerheads, without any finding of fault or unfitness to occupy office. His Honour found that the due and proper administration of the estate was best served by their removal and the appointment of an independent administrator. Read Re McLennan here.
Radio Interview
Last week I did an ABC radio interview about video wills, discussing the recent mobile phone video will case I appeared in. Listen here.
Mobile phone video recording admitted to probate
Judgment was given and probate granted yesterday in the well-publicised case of the mobile phone video will. Reasons yet to be published (they were given ex temp, but his Honour has indicated he intends to publish them), I will post them when they are. See the Courier Mail article here. A lot of fellow succession … Continue reading Mobile phone video recording admitted to probate
Mobile phone video will
See Courier Mail article published today on a case I was in last week.