Free Estate Law Seminar a great success!

Robbins Watson Solicitors explained aspects of Estate Administration and Contested Estates in a free public seminar held at the Robina Community Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina on Thursday, 26 February 2004 from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm.

This free seminar was designed to illustrate the issues that arise during the administration of an estate, what are the duties and obligations of the executors, trustees, beneficiaries and claimants, and what are the kinds of claims that may be made upon an estate.

Points covered included:

• "Normal" Estate Administration:
  • What is the 'normal' process of administration?
  • How to identify the last will.
  • What is "Probate" and do I need it?
  • What is "Intestacy" ?
  • Who pays for the Funeral, and how do I access the bank accounts of the deceased ?
  • How do I find out who the creditors are?
  • How do I go about selling assets?
  • How do I conclude an administration?
  • Who pays for the administration?
  • What about tax?
• Validity of Wills:
  • What are the formal requirements for a valid will?
  • What is testamentary capacity? How much understanding is enough?
  • What if a will is signed when there is doubt about testamentary capacity?
  • How much help should a person give to a person making a will?
  • What is the effect if a beneficiary arranges the whole thing?
  • What kind of issues go to court for resolution?
• Claims for larger benefits by family or dependents:
  • What is a family provision claim?
  • Who is entitled to make one?
  • What claims can be made?
  • How much can they get?
  • If a claim is paid, which original beneficiaries get less?
  • Can these claims be stopped?
  • Who pays the estate's costs of sorting out a challenge to the will?
  • Who pays the challenger's costs?

Our speakers were:

• Justin Moynihan , a senior consultant with our firm, who explained the procedures and issues with a 'normal' estate administration,
• Brendan Madigan , our senior litigation solicitor, who spoke about issues arising with the validity of wills, how such matters can be resolved, and some interesting and relevant cases in point, and
• Adam Carter , one of our employed litigation solicitors, who discussed the difficult topic of claims upon the estate by family members and dependents, again with reference to court decisions.

The seminar was very well attended, with over 170 registrants. Judging by the comments and questions we recieved on the night, those attending found the information relevant and useful - we certainly hope so. Our thanks to all who contributed to making the evening such a success.

Robbins Watson is active in providing information to the community about topical issues of law, and will be holding further free seminars in the future. If you would like an invitation to any future seminars we hold, please call us on 5576 9999, or send us an email.

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