Santeater Limited v Wakelin highlights issues that can arise with the use of corporate trustees when the persons with the power to appoint and remove trustees are not able to work together. In this case the are two corporate trustees appointed to the Black Dog Trust (the Trust), one appointed by each settlor. One of the … Continue reading
Triezenberg v Mason (NO 3, recalled and reissued on 6 September 2019) chronicles the cost of a battle for the control of two family trusts. In earlier decisions (see Loss of Morale and Buyer’s Remorse) Mr Mason was removed as a trustee of two trusts settled by him and his wife, and then later was stripped of his Appointor … Continue reading
McCallum v McCallum relates to applications for discovery of information including trustee legal fees, trustee resolutions and legal advice received by trustees. The case considers important procedural aspects of when discovery can be sought, the rules that apply to originating applications and the extent of discretion available to the High Court regarding such matters. Of … Continue reading
In Godfrey v McCormick Nation J held that an attorney under an enduring power of attorney can not exercise powers of appointment even if held in a personal capacity. This is inconvenient where there is incapacity. While this will likely be addressed by the trustee appointment and removal provisions in the Trusts Act 2019 (following … Continue reading
Families are complicated. Family agreements and arrangements all the more so. Almond v Read highlights the consequences of family arrangements that are not recorded in writing. The background facts are not disputed. Ms Almond purchased land in Drury. Two dwellings were built on the Drury property (the Property), one was occupied by Ms Almond and … Continue reading
Representation of the Rawlinson & Hunter Trusts SA re Z Trusts relates to appeals against three judgments of the Jersey Royal Court regarding the equitable rights of a former trustee and whether those rights take priority over the rights of other claimants to the assets of a trust whose liabilities exceed its assets, in other words, … Continue reading
Jellyman v Jellyman is about two children with different views as to what is in their mother’s best interests. The matter came before the court because Mrs Jellyman was a trustee of a testamentary trust under her late husband’s will. Her son Maurice was the other trustee. Mrs Jellyman wanted to sell her home in Hastings … Continue reading
Triezenberg v Mason (As to power and appointment and costs) follows the earlier trustee removal decision. See Buyer’s remorse. By way of background the High Court removed Mr Mason and his incapacitated wife as trustees of two family trusts. A rift had occurred between the competent trustees that had resulted in significant dysfunction. No orders … Continue reading
CDT 12 Limited v Millar doesn’t answer the Jasmine question, but does raise considerable doubt as to whether Jasmine applies in New Zealand. For the background to the “Jasmine” issue, see Two trustees go down to the woods … one is discharged, one is not and Exit stage left. Mallon J’s decision on the papers in … Continue reading
Oldfield v Oldfield relates to the trust consequences of a marriage breakup. Specifically, who should be the trustees when the settlors, who are also trustees, can no longer work together. Mrs Oldfield wishes to see Mr Oldfield removed as a trustee. Mr Oldfield’s view is that it is not appropriate to replace the trustees, rather the … Continue reading
