Settling relationship property matters where this is a trust or trusts in the mix can be problematic where the record of agreement may not correctly reflect trust owned assets. In Willis v Willis, Duffy J was of the view that an agreement that purported to be made under s 21A of the Act could not … Continue reading
The question posed by the court in An application by Hoglie Trustees Limited as trustee of the Larry Robertson Family Trust was whether the Larry Robertson Family Trust (the Trust) was void from inception due to lack of certainty as to the Trust’s objects. Relevantly section 15 of the Trusts Act 2019 provide that: As … Continue reading
The Trusts Act 2019 introduced a presumption that trustees will provide basic trust information to every beneficiary and will provide further information on request. Before doing so, trustees must consider the factors set out in section 53 of the Trusts Act. Importantly, there is a procedure in section 54 of the Trusts Act where no … Continue reading
D and E Limited v A, B and C relates to the appeal of the High Court decision in A v D and E. See Breach of parental fiduciary duties. Simply put, the Court of Appeal (by a majority decision) allowed an appeal against the ground breaking decision of Gwyn J holding that a parent … Continue reading
Lendich v Codilla relates to an attempt to claim a beneficial interest in property sold at an undervalue where there was an agreed element of gift. The case also raises the question as to standing of directors and shareholders of a company that has been removed from the register of companies. The issues raised by … Continue reading
The decisions in Reid v Castleton-Reid and Tian v Zhang highlight the importance of recording not only transactions, but also the parties’ expectations. Reid v Castleton-Reid relates to the correct characterisation of a $1.7m trading account. Tian v Zhang relates to whether sums advanced represented a dowry or were held on resulting trust. In both cases the judgment … 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
Mr Brownsea purchased a property in the names of himself and Ms Malit in the hope that a relationship would eventuate. It did not. Mr Brownsea wanted the title to the property to vest solely in him, Ms Malit would not oblige. There was no relationship in terms of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (the … Continue reading
On first glance Almond v Read, appears to have it all. Arguments were made relating to the parties common intention, a constructive trust and breaches of fiduciary duty in the context of family owned land that was acquired with best of intentions. However, over time, different parties adopted different views of the basis upon which a … Continue reading
The development of the constructive trust in New Zealand and the parameters of remedial and institutional constructive trusts (and constructive trusts on express trusts) is an important aspect of trust law. Vicki Ammundsen is presenting a practical remedy driven webinar on 14 September 2018 at 1.30am that considers constructive and other trusts in family, relationship and commercial contexts. … Continue reading