Estate Litigation and Attacking the Will – a recorded online conference
Hear from the experts at this online lunchtime conference. You can watch it on your computer or on your portable electronic device from anywhere.
- About the Recorded Online Conference
- The Faculty
- CPD Information
- Registration Special Offer
- Enquiries/Assistance
Date/Time
About the Recorded Online Conference
Session 1: The Power of Persuasion: Will Challenges for Undue Influence
Economic challenges and an ageing society have resulted in the elderly becoming increasingly vulnerable to influences from family for financial support. But when does such behaviour change from suggestion to influence and when should a will be challenged on the basis of undue influence? This session examines the law of undue influence and provides a guide to legal practitioners faced with claims of this nature, including:
- Red flags and other signs of undue influence
- Where to draw the line between suggestion, persuasion and undue influence
- What should a solicitor do if they suspect their client has been subject to undue influence?
- Who has standing to make a claim of undue influence following death of the will-maker?
- What standard of proof is required?
- Where undue influence is proved what effect will the finding have on the will?
- Recent cases including Hayward (as Executor of Felton Estate) v Speedy & Felton [2021] NSWSC 943; Estate of Rofe [2021] NSWSC 257
Session 2: Promises Promises: Litigating Proprietary Estoppel Estate Claims
A number of recent decisions highlight the availability of proprietary estoppel as an alternative to a family provision claim in challenging the will maker. This session will explore the evidentiary and other requirements of bringing a claim in estoppel, including:
- Common examples of proprietary estoppel
- Who has standing to bring a claim?
- Time limits for making a claim
- What orders can the claimant seek?
- Proving the promise – what evidence is required to show:
- The promise was made
- Reliance on the promise
- Reliance resulted in a detriment to the claimant
- Will the court always order specific performance?
- Cases including Re Mahoney [2015] VSC 600; Moore v Aubusson [2020] NSWSC 1466; Nendy v Armstrong & Ors [2020] QSC 380; Harris v Harris [2021] VSCA 138
Session 3: All in the Family: Lessons from Family Provision Cases
The family provision jurisdiction has provided an outlet for claims by dissatisfied family members seeking a slice, or a bigger share, of the inheritance pie. This session will examine some general themes in these cases and provide a guide to what practitioners should be advising their clients before bringing a family provision claim, including:
- Does the mantra “it’s my money and I can leave it to whoever I choose” have any weight anymore?
- Eligibility requirements for making a claim for insufficient provision
- How far will the courts consider fairness or moral duty over relationship circumstances?
- Acting for the claimant and strategies for overcoming obstacles including:
- Estrangement
- Bad relationships
- Unequal distribution
- Presenting evidence and what the courts want to hear
- Costs considerations and the risk of claimant liability for costs
- Case law update
The Faculty
Ines Kallweit, Principal, KHQ Lawyers, Melbourne, Vic (Chair)
Asheetha Jelliffe, Partner, Bridges Lawyers, Sydney, NSW
Scott Whitla, Partner, McCullough Robertson, Brisbane, Qld
Carolyn Sparke KC, Barrister, Svenson Barristers, Melbourne, Vic
CPD Information
Lawyers can claim 3 CPD units/points (substantive law).
WA Lawyers – Please note that TEN is unable to verify your completion of recorded online conferences to the Legal Practice Board of WA. TEN is an accredited provider.
Registration Special Offer
If you order by 30 April 2024 you will pay only $330 – a saving of $220 off the full price fee of $550.
Enquiries/Assistance
If you need assistance or have an enquiry, please do not hesitate to contact our Webinar Coordinator, Lisa Tran on (03) 8601 7709 or email: [email protected]