Top 5 things to know about Wills & Families – including what to do when you’ve been left out or treated unfairly – Article 1
Published on March 17, 2021 by Hanaan Indari
1 – Wills aren’t set in stone
It is easy to assume that when a family member passes away, that their Will is set in stone and their last wishes are – well – just that. Wrong!
If you have been unfairly left out – or unfairly provided for in a Will – then there is a way to right that wrong and undo those last wishes.
2 – What is a Family Provision Claim?
A Family provision claim is where you make an application to the Court to be awarded a portion of the deceased person’s estate or, if you are already included, a larger share.
3 – Are there any rules about Family Provision Claims I need to know?
There are some key requirements you need to meet to make a Family Provision Claim. You must:
- Be an ‘eligible person’ in the eyes of the Court;
- Have been left out of a will or feel you did not receive your due entitlements in a will; and
- Make your claim within 12 months of the date of death of deceased.
4 – Ok – How do I then know if I’m an ‘eligible person’?
Easy! In NSW an eligible person includes:
- A wife or husband of the deceased;
- A de facto partner of the deceased;
- A former wife or husband of the deceased;
- A child of the deceased (including adopted and step-children)
- A dependant (wholly or partly) of the deceased;
- A grandchild of the deceased;
- A person who was a member of the deceased’s household at any time; and
- A person with whom the deceased was living in a close personal relationship as at the date of death.
It is important to note that where an eligible person is under any legal incapacity, such as a child or someone with a mental illness, an application can be made by a tutor.
5 – How do I find out more?
If you are an eligible person or if you are unsure if you are an eligible person and want to make a family provision claim, it is important that you obtain legal advice before making such a claim. Carroll & O’Dea has a team of Wills and Estates experts who will be able to help you with any questions you may have in relation to making a family provision claim.
Article 3 – The top 5 things to know about lodging a claim against a Will in NSW
