The latest in our 101 Reference Series – a comprehensive reference guide 101 Succession Answers for Queensland

From 20 April 2020 existing statements of truth for estates will be replaced by the new grant of representation application forms. Old-style Statements of Truth received after that date will be rejected by the Probate Registries and practitioners asked to submit the appropriate new form instead. The implementation of the new forms is part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service’s drive to streamline its systems thereby enabling bulk scanning. This in turn is expected to reduce errors and speed up their processes. The new forms which may be found on the matter plan are: PA1A – Probate application – without a will PA1P – Probate application – with a will PA8A – Application to stop, or extend a stop on a grant of representation (Caveat)

The By Lawyers Estates Guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and conveyancing practice. The extensive review was performed by our author Marcella King. As with all our authors, Marcella takes a practical approach, drawing on her considerable experience to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help solicitors and conveyancers confidently run a probate matter. The commentary has been expanded, and a new To Do List has been included. We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the guide offers for solicitors and conveyancers acting in the administration of an estate.

To assist practitioners when making an emergency application for a limited grant to preserve assets in estates, By Lawyers have drafted a precedent Example Content - Statement of Truth - Ad Colligenda Bona - Limited Grant. Read more...

A full review of the By Lawyers Family provision claims - Acting for the plaintiff guide has been conducted.

Changes to guardianship legislation in Victoria commence on 1 March 2020.

New precedent 'To do' lists have been added to the By Lawyers Family Provision Claims guides

Two new cases on Family Provision claims have been added to the By Lawyers Reference manual 101 Succession Answers (NSW).

The Probate and Wills Commentaries have been updated to reflect the increase to the statutory legacy payable to a spouse on intestacy. From 6 February 2020 the legacy is £270,000.

Following an author review new cases have been added and other enhancements made to the By Lawyers Reference Manual 101 Succession Answers

Our author has recently reviewed the probate publication providing several new precedents and amending the commentary. Additional automation was also added to some of the precedents to increase flexibility and efficient usage.

A recent Court of Appeal decision on testamentary capacity has been added to the By Lawyers publication 101 Succession Answers (NSW).

Testamentary capacity - The Matter of the Will and Estate of Joyce Helen Greer, deceased [2019] VSC 592

South Australian subscribers are invited to explore By Lawyers new publication, Family Provision Claims (SA).

Suspicious circumstances surrounding the drafting and execution of a will were considered in a recent NSW Court of Appeal case.