Succession law’s inheritance: exploring its foundations and future
It’s not just about wills—it’s a centuries-old mix of canon, common law and equity. Understanding its roots reveals its logic and trajectory.
By Professor Prue Vines - 2 min read
Undue influence after Bosschieter v Howitt: can the remedy be simplified?
Courts are increasingly willing to step outside the traditional presumptive relationships of influence following recent adoption of UK case law.
By Mary-Ann de Mestre - 1 min read
Assessing capacity and managing risk: working with elderly clients
As the great wealth transfer looms, courts increasingly require solicitors to take a conservative approach in assessing testamentary capacity.
By Sophie Duffy and Baron Alder - 1 min read
Elder law & succession: March 2025
Cases on when an estate’s administration is complete, managing non-complying SMSFs, cognitive impairment and testamentary capacity, and more. By DARRYL BROWNE.
By Darryl Browne - 2 min read
An old, oral, unwitnessed promise can be equivalent to a testamentary act
The High Court held a promisor need not engage in conduct encouraging reliance on that promise for it to be enforceable by a court.
By Darryl Browne - 2 min read
Elder law & succession: February 2025
Cases on engaging medical experts, the forfeiture rule, will construction and rectification, and family provision. By DARRYL BROWNE.
By Darryl Browne - 1 min read
Elder law & succession: December 2024
Decisions on wrongful distribution, enduring powers of attorney, and testamentary and mental capacity. By DARRYL BROWNE.
By Darryl Browne - 1 min read
Elder law & succession: November 2024
Decisions on severance by divorce, the essential validity of a will, payment of estate debts, and informal wills and costs. By DARRYL BROWNE.
By Darryl Browne - 2 min read
Elder law & succession: October 2024
Decisions unpacking concessional duties, trustee tax liability, the use of power of enduring attorney in elder abuse and more. By DARRYL BROWNE.
By Darryl Browne - 2 min read
Supreme Court Practice Note and NSWCA clarifies assumptions in wills and estates law
Wills and estates practitioners have new rules and precedent to follow with a new Supreme Court Practice Note and an influential decision in Alexakis.
By Daniela Faggionato and Caitlin Watson - 1 min read
Elder law & succession: August 2024
Recent decisions involving mutual wills agreement, the validity of witness gifts, executor duties and elder financial abuse. By DARRYL BROWNE.
By Darryl Browne - 11 min read