Bean v Bean is a an application to strike out a Family Protection Act 1955 (FPA) claim on the basis that it has no prospect of success. The bar is set high for such a claim. While any such claim will depend on its own facts, Bean v Bean is an interesting study of the procedural and tactical aspects … Continue reading
Until his removal in 2014 Toni Waho was a trustee of the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust (the Trust), a trust that promotes the use and retention of Te Reo. Me Waho was removed as a trustee on grounds that he had brought the Trust into disrepute by raising matters relating to the Trust and its … Continue reading
Probate, or proving, of a will can be made in common or solemn form. As noted at [4] in Young v Young “Probate in solemn form is generally irrevocable; probate in common form is revocable.” By way of general observation probate in common form is what is most commonly sought. Probate in solemn form is … Continue reading
In the Matter of the Representation of Scarlett Investment Holdings Limited addresses an application for rectification by a de facto trustee in circumstances where the settlor of three trusts settled by declarations of trust dated 23 February 1982 had died and the original trustee, a BVI private company was believed to have been struck off from … Continue reading
In Little v Howick Trustee DL Limited a beneficiary sought a review of trustee decisions and the removal of a court appointed trustee. Perhaps surprisingly, considering the position taken in the Law Commission’s draft Trusts Bill and the Trusts Bill currently before Parliament regarding beneficiary rights, Brewer J found that a discretionary beneficiary had no standing to seek a … Continue reading
A Beddoe order (the name derives from the case Re Beddoe (Downes v Cottam)) is an order made by the court that permits trustees to incur expense on behalf of the trust filing or defending proceedings. A Beddoe order (if obtained) protects the trustees against claims by the beneficiaries that the action should not have been brought … Continue reading
Whether or not a blended family is involved, if provision is not made for a child or if a trust has been settled notwithstanding the degree of relationship, then a remedy with the assistance of the court can be difficult, if not impossible. While the Family Protection Act 1955 can provide an opportunity for children who … Continue reading
The Court of Appeal has upheld the High Court decision in Thakurdas v Wadsworth that executors can bring proceedings under s 182 of the Family Proceedings Act. As noted at [16]: “We add that it is now settled law that s 182 serves an important purpose in relationship property litigation, allowing courts to address property … Continue reading
The Justice Select Committee has reported back to Parliament (following two time extensions). The recommended amendments to the Bill are largely minor in effect, dealing with definitions or clarification of proposed provisions, although there are adjustments to maximum duration periods for resettlements and the addition of a “guiding principle” for trust duties. Key points are: … Continue reading
Orders removing trustees and appointing replacement trustees are not uncommon. Such orders can be required in circumstances including incapacity, absence, deadlock or because it is expedient in the administration of the trust for a trustee to be removed and perhaps replaced. However, it is important to appreciate that whether a trustee is removed / appointed … Continue reading
