Young Woman in Dispute with Tax Office over Inheritance from Grandfather

Inheritance disputes can be highly complex affairs and are most often seen between family members who are unhappy with their share of a relative’s estate. However this isn’t always the case. 

In a case recently reported in the media, a teenager and her mother are locked in a dispute with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) in an attempt to protect the inheritance she received from her grandfather.

Dhakota Williams is the granddaughter of notorious gangland figure George Williams, who died in 2016. In his Will he left a property valued at around $1 million to Dhakota, who now lives in the house with her mother Roberta, reports news.com.au.

However George owed around $740,000 in taxes when he died and so the ATO has challenged his Will, claiming that the house should be sold off in order to pay the tax debt. In March of this year the Supreme Court of Victoria apparently found in the ATO’s favour, ruling that Dhakota had no claim to the house and that it should be sold.

However Dhakota and her mother are appealing this decision, claiming that there had been agreement between Victoria Police and George’s son Carl (Dhakota’s father) that this tax debt would be paid by the police in return for Carl acting as informant. However Carl, who also had gangland connections, was murdered in prison before he could testify in court about the evidence he provided and the police subsequently withdrew their offer.

A decision on the case is expected at a later date.

Contact Us

Szabo & Associates, Solicitors can offer expert advice on a wide range of legal matters, including contesting, making or updating a Will and preparing an Enduring Power of Attorney and Appointments of Enduring Guardians. Please call George Szabo on (02) 9281-5088 or fill in our online contact form.