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A final beneficiary has a contingent proprietary right, the value of which (if any) can only be determined on the final vesting date. While such a right can be treated as simply a right to receive trust assets on a final vesting, the status of having such a right can elevate the position of a … Continue reading
McGuire v Earl is a successful application for the following trust information: statements of accounts copies of all Minutes and Resolutions any documents pertaining to any distributions all documents pertaining to any gifting or debt incurred, and bank statements for all bank accounts. The trust in question was settled by Mr McGuire’s father and Mr … Continue reading
Charlotte Gavin and Daniel Powell are siblings who have been engaged in sustained litigation relating to trusts settled for their respective benefit, together with other family members that are their effective inheritances with each only intended to have recourse to the other’s trust if their own trust fails (see Powell v Powell). Charlotte seeks to … Continue reading
In Jacomb v Jacomb Cooke J provides a considered assessment of disclosure in the context of a troubled and disenfranchised beneficiary. The case highlights the need for careful analysis of facts when seeking disclosure, the relevant principles, and importantly given that the Trusts Act 2019 will come into full force and effect on 30 January … Continue reading
Trusts and relationships can make for very poor bedfellows. The temptation to remove a former spouse or partner as trustee or beneficiary or to appoint or remove a professional presumed to favour one side over the other (whether or not this is the case) can be tempting. Similarly fraught can be involving children in the … Continue reading
Given the new presumption in the Trusts Act 2019 that, with effect from 30 January 2021, trustees will give basic trust information to every beneficiary, it can be presumed that many trustees will be looking to cull trust beneficiaries to ensure trusts comply with the settlor or settlors’ intentions, whether or not these are expressed … Continue reading
Kirby v Kirby is an application for tailored discovery in the context of a Family Protection Act claim in circumstances where the deceased left the residue of his estate after payment of expenses to a trust, the Jubilee Trust (the Trust). The application, which was made by one of the deceased’s two children is defended by … Continue reading
Thomas Young sued (as a trustee and as a beneficiary) the widow of the former trustee John Hunt allegeing the theft of $146,175 from the Twiss Family Grandchildren’s Trust. The background is set out as follows at [3] to [6]: “[3] The Trust was settled on 1 April 1991. The settlor was Mr David … Continue reading
The way many New Zealanders manage their assets is set to change dramatically. Reforms to the laws governing trusts in New Zealand, due to come into force on 30 January 2021, are expected to trigger a massive reduction in the number of trusts. The Ministry of Justice estimates there are currently between 300,000 and 500,000 … Continue reading
Is a beneficiary more entitled to trust information pursuant to an application for discovery, rather than pursuant to a an application for disclosure? As a basic principle, courts do not permit discovery as a “fishing expedition.” However, as noted in Gavin v Powell at [41] “… the trustees’ obligations as to disclosure and a beneficiary’s right … Continue reading
Matters of Trust 