Szabo & Associates News & Updates

One issue frequently facing bereaved families following the loss of a loved one is what to do with any property included in the deceased’s estate, particularly if the property has been in the family for several generations. The issue becomes increasingly complex if multiple family members are beneficiaries of the estate.

David Rofe, the well-known Sydney based barrister, died in July 2017 leaving an estate estimated at $30m. He was unmarried, childless and for the past seven years suffered from dementia. Apparently, he also produced 25 Wills, most of which came after his initial diagnosis of dementia in 2010. This seems likely to signal a battle of the Wills to determine how the proceeds will be distributed.

All adults in Australia should have an up-to-date Will in place to ensure that their estate is distributed in accordance with their wishes after they have passed away.

Background

In 2014 the Law Commission of England and Wales announced it was going to review the law relating to Wills with a view to encouraging more people to make a Will and reduce the likelihood of Wills being challenged.