-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
The background to Estate of Gaylene Harvey is summarised by Becroft J at [1] to [5] as follows: The issues for resolution were: With respect to the video, which was viewed in Court Becroft J noted at [16] that “… For what it is worth, Gaylene seemed relaxed, clear, and happily participating. It seemed to … Continue reading
Phillips v Heremaia relates to two sisters engaged in litigation with respect to their father’s estate. Although the matter settled at a judicial settlement conference not agreement was reached with respect to costs, which are the subject of this judgment. The following at [3] and [4] sets the tone for the decision: Rule 15.23 of the … Continue reading
Estate of RB Walton helpfully sets out the procedure where an executor fails to obtain probate, but will not renounce or provide the original will. The relevant considerations are set out at [8] to [11] as follows: The end result in Estate of RB Walton was the appointment of an independent administrator, this being required … Continue reading
The background of Re Public Trust regarding an originating application for an order for the grant of probate in solemn form as set at [1] as follows: Muir J in considering the matter was clear that although the deceased clearly wished to up-date her will, and that Public Trust acknowledged that the 2009 will did … Continue reading
Probating a will is generally accepted as an essential step to allow executors to administer an estate. However, where there are challenges or other complications, it is important to appreciate that there may be steps that can be taken without probate. As executors derive title from the will, rather than probate (which merely proves the … Continue reading
Re Estate of Olive Ruby Piper relates to an application for an order declaring that a draft will prepared by Public Trust prior to Olive Piper’s death is her last will and testament pursuant to s 14 of the Wills Act 2007. The legislative basis is set out at [2] and [18] as follows: [2] … Continue reading
In the Matter of the Estate of Mabel Florence Murray the Court had to determine whether Mrs Murray had testamentary capacity when she executed a codicil and the earlier will. Evidence was given by Mrs Murray’s doctor, son and lawyer; all of whom were found to be credible. However, the view of the Court by … Continue reading
Wills that do not meet the requirements of the Wills Act 2007 as set out in s 11 of that Act can be validated pursuant to s 14 of the Wills Act. As noted in Estate of Phillips at [25], “The critical enquiry is whether the documents does any or all of the things described … Continue reading
Violet Filomena Cox (Violet) made a number of wills, the last of which was a hand anotated copy of Violet’s last will and an unsigned draft. The administators of Violet’s estate sought directions under s 66 of the Trustee Act 1956 as to how the estate should be distributed and for a declaration under s … Continue reading
A valid will requires, amongst other things, two witnesses to the signature of the will-maker (see Wills Act, s 11). Where a will is signed by a will-maker and the requisite two witnesses, this by itself is insufficient to confirm that the witnesses were present when the will was signed. The standard will attestation reads: … Continue reading
Matters of Trust 