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Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 27 May 2022. Lucas is involved in a serious car accident at 3 years of age. He suffers a severe brain injury which significantly affects his cognitive development. Lucas is placed under the care of the Department of Child Safety. His mother is not involved in his daily care amid accusations of neglect and drug use. His father passes-away a few years later. Lucas spends several years living with his grandmother and his sister before moving into care. He remains close to his grandmother and sister, who visit him frequently. As a result [...]

Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 20 May 2022. The Benders were pioneering banana growers in north-east NSW. Brian was the patriarch of the Bender family and when he died, he left his share of the plantations, and commercial properties to his children George and Isobel. George and Isobel continued the tradition and became key members of the Bender business. Isobel loved the life so much she was married underneath a banana tree, and in a few short years she had three beautiful children. Unfortunately, Isobel was tragically killed in an ice-skating accident while on holidays in Florida. When [...]

Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 13 May 2022. Barry has never been married and has no children. He has two sisters and a brother named William. William retired from his work as a manual labourer at the age of 55 due to health reasons. He assists Barry in maintaining his home and takes Barry shopping and drives him to his medical appointments. William and Barry, as brothers had a close relationship during most of their lifetimes, until they have a heated argument, regarding William’s driving ability. In response, Barry makes a new will, appointing his two sisters as [...]

Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 6 May 2022. John and Tony are good friends who have known each other for many years. They are both looking to buy an investment property and decide to pool their resources and purchase a property together. They find a large rural property which includes two separate dwellings. They each contribute to the purchase price and the payment of stamp duty. John decides to use the larger dwelling for long-term rental accommodation and Tony uses the other dwelling for short-term tourist accommodation. Several years pass until it is discovered that John’s tenants have [...]

Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 29 April 2022. Joanne goes through a difficult divorce and later that year is dismissed from employment for stealing funds. She moves in with her mother, Mary and tells her that she has a gambling problem. Several years later, Mary sells her house and gives Joanne and her two other children, an early inheritance of $50,000. Within a couple of months of Joanne receiving the funds, Joanne has spent all of the money on gambling. Mary is concerned about Joanne’s gambling and makes a new will, leaving her just 15% of her estate. [...]

Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 15 April 2022. Tina owns her own home and lives alone. She never married and has no children. Tina decides to offer her spare room up for board and Peter soon moves into her house. Peter receives a disability support pension and has not been employed for several years. 10 years later, Tina passes away at the age of 65. Tina leaves the whole of her estate to her brother and sister. Peter challenges Tina’s will, seeking provision from her estate. Peter claims that he was in a de facto relationship with Tina [...]

Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast News Of The Area on 8 April 2022. After a 10 year relationship, Robert separates from his wife and moves into rental accommodation. Two years later, Robert allows Mary to stay in the residence rent-free. Six months pass and Robert tragically passes away at the age of 50. Robert had made a Will, appointing his wife as his executor and nominating his two children, aged 5 and 10 as the primary beneficiaries of the estate. Robert’s estate consists of real estate and superannuation, totalling $2 million. Mary is not named in the Will and after obtaining legal advice, [...]