The expression “Beware Greeks bearing gifts” as been attributed to the story of the wooden horse of Troy, used by the Greeks to trick their way into the city. It is recorded in Virgil’s Aeneid, Book 2, 19 BC: “Do not trust the horse, Trojans. Whatever it is, I fear the Greeks even when they … Continue reading
In 2004 Mr Wheeler sold over $2.4m of assets owed by him to a trust he settled. The trustees were Mr Wheeler and his accountant Mr Lindsay. The purchase price for the assets sold to trust was left as a debt owing to Mr Wheeler. Between 2004 and 2010 five gifts of $27,000 were made … Continue reading
Some cases seem to have eternal existence. The original matter of Spence v Lynch is one of these. The are now at least 9 recorded decisions by my count named either White v Spence or Spence v Lynch. The first case was written up in this blog as Dominant trustee architect of loss. The name was apt then, … Continue reading
When assets are transferred to a trust by a settlor the transfer is generally by way of gift or sale. Where assets are sold there is a gift back that can be forgiven immediately, progressively or at some future date, if at all. Prior to the abolition of gift duty gifting programs were common and … Continue reading
The relationship between trusts and relationship property agreements requires careful attention. Whether or not trustees can or should be party to a relationship property agreement is one of many important considerations. Another consideration is how debts owing by trustees should be treated for relationship property purposes. Importantly, if there is no relationship property agreement (and assets are … Continue reading