06
Mar 2018
Probate Caveats
A Grant of Probate represents confirmation from the Supreme Court that a Will of a deceased person is the last valid Will of that person. A Probate caveat may prevent a Grant being issued. A recent decision in the Supreme Court of Western Australia (Richardson v Devine ¹ (Richardson case)) has provided valuable guidance as to the procedures to follow in WA in respect of Probate caveats. A Probate caveat is a written
The recent decision upheld by the Western Australian Court of Appeal Blenkinsop v Herbert WASCA 87 (Blenkinsop) outlines the importance of understanding the terms of a discretionary trust deed. More significantly, the case focussed on the nature of the Guardian’s powers and the Court’s jurisdiction to remove the Guardian. 1. What is a discretionary trust deed? A discretionary trust is a common vehicle for operating businesses as they offer
24
Apr 2017
STATUTORY WILLS
In Western Australia (WA), recent legislative developments in 2007, have permitted the Supreme Court of Western Australia to make statutory Wills. Under the Wills Act 1970 (WA) the Supreme Court can make a statutory Will for a person who lacks the capacity to make their own Will (an ‘incapable person’). Although WA has more “relaxed” laws in this area compared with other States and Territories, it is surprising there have
For Probate purposes, when is a missing person presumed to be dead? There is a misconception that, if a person has been missing for 7 years, then that person is presumed to be dead. But an automatic presumption of fact does not arise even if 7 years have passed without any sign of the person in question. In fact, it is possible for a person to be declared dead where