A recent Courier Mail article on a case of mine http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/crime-and-justice/family-members-row-over-250m-fortune-left-by-worongary-hermit-spiney-bob-anthes/news-story/f71227092248f8f22a4646c253c35365
Solicitors beware – Cost capping in FPA
Rosengren DCJ last week heard an application for final orders after the settlement of an FPA. The settlement provided that the applicant's costs of $66K and the respondent's costs of $70K be paid from the estate. Her Honour granted final orders, but in relation to costs, thought they were excessive (the estate was only $213K, … Continue reading Solicitors beware – Cost capping in FPA
Interesting Q on Operation of the Forfeiture Rule – is an indirect benefit prohibited?
What a fascinating case, wish I could have been in it! I love the forfeiture rule. In a recent WA judgment a question arose as to the operation of the forfeiture rule, which prevents a killer from benefiting from the unlawful killing. The question in Public Trustee (WA) -v- Mack was whether a son, who was … Continue reading Interesting Q on Operation of the Forfeiture Rule – is an indirect benefit prohibited?
Doyle’s List 2017
Very proud to make Doyle’s List for the third year running, being named one of Queensland’s “Preeminent” Wills & Estate Litigation junior barristers in the 2017 rankings. The list can be viewed here.
Whose will is it anyway? Court of Appeal considers rectification power
The Qld Ct of Appeal today handed down judgment in a rectification case. I appeared for the appellant. This is the first time an appellate court in Australia has considered the new, broader powers of rectification of wills (introduced in Qld in 2006). The testator and her partner told their solicitor they each wanted the … Continue reading Whose will is it anyway? Court of Appeal considers rectification power
Important amendments to Qld Succession Act re de factos
On 5 June 2017, very important amendments to the Qld Succession Act came into effect that put de facto spouses and de facto stepchildren on the same footing as married spouses and stepchildren. I am proud of these amendments, being part of the Succession Law Committee of the QLS that lobbied for this uniformity. The … Continue reading Important amendments to Qld Succession Act re de factos
Sibling wars
Mullins J recently dismissed an application to remove an executor in circumstances where the two beneficiaries were brother and sister, the brother being the executor of their mother's estate. The brother and sister were very much estranged. There were some delays in the administration of the estate, some of which were caused by the applicant … Continue reading Sibling wars