As noted in Lowe v Ngan the cause of action fradulent calumny has not previously been recognised in New Zealand. This statement is expanded on at [62] to [65] as follows: The elements of fraudulent calumny are set out in Lowe v Ngan as follows: Byway of background to Lowe v Ngan: In Lowe v … Continue reading
In Estate of Twaites one of the will-maker’s son seeks a remedy under the Family Protection Act 1955 for a breach of the moral duty owed by his father to him. The Court was satisfied that there was a breach. However, before this could be quantified by way of an award in the son’s favour … Continue reading
In the Matter of the Testamentary Trust of Hanning relates to an application to terminate a testamentary trust pursuant to section 121 of the Trusts Act 2019 and for an order pursuant to section 124 of the Trusts Act approving the application on behalf of minor or future beneficiaries. The trust in question arose under … Continue reading
The legal principles that underlie Jorion v Jorion are summarised at [9] by Isac J as follows: The basis for the named executrix renouncing probate is set out at [11] and 12]: References:
In Estate of Clement Grau J declines to validate a will that was made shortly before the deceased died from surgical complications. The application, which was unopposed, proceeded in the papers. An affidvit filed in the proceedings by the deceased’s former partner raised “red flags” regarding the: As noted at [8]: [8] On 29 April … Continue reading
As noted at [20(a)] of Newton v Dunasemant “While the dramatic change in the terms of the 2021 will from those of the 2016 will might give rise to an initial presumption of undue influence, Christine’s evidence and that of Mr Fitzgerald rebut that presumption by elaborating on the disconnect between Fraser and Mrs Newton … Continue reading
The genesis of Milne v Sutherland is a dispute regarding the interpretation of a life interest clause. As noted at [1] “Laurie died in 1999, but the bequests at issue in this proceeding did not fall due for distribution until after the death of his wife, Doreen Rose Evans (Doreen) in 2022…” As further set … Continue reading
Re the estate of Ian Douglas Dobson relates to an application for probate in solemn form necessitated due to questions arising as the will-maker’s testamentary capacity. The relevant time-line is: As noted at [14]: Regardless, the weight given to this assessment was balanced against the evidence given regarding the circumstances surrounding the execution of Mr … Continue reading
Although not common, in some circumstances an inheritance paid to a New Zealand resident can be taxable as a distribution from a foreign trust. In PUB00494 Income tax – Whether money or property received by New Zealand tax residents from overseas is income from a foreign trust, Inland Revenue considers the income tax treatment of … Continue reading
Hooper v Thackwell came before the court by way of a formal proof hearing with respect to a claim brought by her daughter Karen. The background facts are not complex, but raise some complex questions, in particular whether a lawyer could ever rely on a waiver to act on both sides of a transaction that … Continue reading