Where There’s A Will, There’s Often A Dispute!

From wine-fuelled political debates over Christmas lunch to overly competitive games of Monopoly, there are many reasons family members can find themselves at loggerheads with one another. A particularly serious scenario is when a parent passes away and leaves behind an estate that becomes a source of bitter conflict between siblings.

There’s a common misconception that your will represents the incontrovertible ‘final word’ on what is to happen with your estate – ie, your home, possessions, savings and any other assets you may have – when you’re gone. However, this is not necessarily the case, and a 2016 report by government and the University of Queensland found that where wills are contested, the claimants are generally successful – in fact more than three in four times in the case of partners/ex-partners and children.

Here are some of the common grounds on which cases over inheritance are brought before a court, and how they can be avoided.

For better or worse, no will is iron-clad – but there are simple measures you can take to help ensure your wishes are executed exactly as intended when you are gone. Aside from being aware of the common scenarios overleaf and what can be done to decrease their chances of arising, it may be best to consider:

• Engaging the assistance of a professional.
• Avoiding DIY will kits or at least seeking assistance when completing one.
• Revisiting your will at least once every few years, especially if your life circumstances have changed (eg, as a result of marriage or divorce).

Potential scenarios

Casting doubt on the deceased’s capacity

Legally, a will is only valid if the person who made the will had a full understanding and appreciation of what a will is and the assets it is dealing with. A will can therefore be contested if, at the time of being produced, the deceased’s decision-making capabilities may have been impacted by a mental disability or condition (such as dementia) or even just the effects of medication.

Undue influence

It’s reprehensible, but it does happen: a vulnerable elderly person is coerced or maliciously convinced by a family member, friend or carer to distribute their estate in a certain way via their will. Legally, this is only valid if the will was made freely and voluntarily – so anyone who’s able to demonstrate suspicious circumstances can succeed in having it overturned.

How to Mitigate the risks

It makes sense to consider drafting your will while still having full capacity instead of putting it off until sickness or advanced old age. A will can always be updated if circumstances change. In some Australian States, if a person does not have the requisite capacity to make a will, they can seek the assistance of the court to make or update one.In this instance, it may be best to meet one-on-one with your lawyer without any of your beneficiaries present – and to seek their help if you feel anyone is exerting undue pressure on you.

If you have queries about your family will and inheritance, please contact the accountants at our Sydney office

The article was provided as useful information by W Wen & Co accountants and tax advisers at Sydney and was originally published at https://www.wwenandco.com.au/where-theres-a-will-theres-often-a-dispute/