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In Queensland, there are wide-ranging reasons for family provisions claim on an estate.Â
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When a loved one passes away, their estate is usually distributed according to their wishes as outlined in their will. However, in some cases, certain beneficiaries—or even people not mentioned in the will—may feel they were unfairly left out or inadequately provided for. If you find yourself in such a situation, you may be eligible to make a Family Provision Claim to seek a fair share of the estate.
At GLG Legal, we understand the complexities and emotional challenges involved in family provision claims. Led by our in-house expert, Mehera Saunders, an Accredited Specialist in succession law, we provide compassionate and professional guidance to help you navigate this process.
What Is a Family Provision Claim?
A Family Provision Claim is a legal action that allows eligible individuals to seek further provision from a deceased person’s estate if they feel they were not adequately provided for. In Queensland, these claims are governed by the Succession Act 1981, and ultimately gives the court discretion to determine the outcome. It is important to remember that it is a discretionary remedy and if the Judge is not persuaded they are not required to make any of award further and better provision to any particular applicant.
Family Provision Claims are common in cases where:
- The deceased did not leave a will (intestate)
- The deceased’s will provides minimal or no provision for certain family members or dependents
- Family dynamics, financial dependency, or other special circumstances were not adequately considered in the will’s distribution
Who Can Make a Family Provision Claim?
Under the Succession Act 1981 (Qld), only specific people are eligible to make a Family Provision Claim, including:
- The Deceased’s Spouse: This includes legally married spouses, de facto partners, and same-sex partners. (defacto and same-sex partners, require a 2 year continuous period of relationship in most cases).Â
- Children: Biological, adopted, and stepchildren may all be eligible, depending on the circumstances.
- Dependents: Other dependents, such as grandchildren or other family members who were financially supported by the deceased, may also be eligible.
Family Provision Claims must be made within nine months of the deceased’s passing. However, it is important to give written notice of your intention to make a claim to the executor within six months of the date of death. If no notification is provided within this timeframe, the executor may proceed with distributing the estate according to the will. Once the estate is distributed, you may still have legal options, such as making an application of leave with the court, but the process becomes more complicated. That’s why it’s essential to consult with an experienced estate litigation lawyer promptly to protect your rights.
COMMON SCENARIOS FOR FAMILY PROVISIONS CLAIMS
While each case is unique, here are some common scenarios in which a Family Provision Claim may be appropriate:
Minimal or No Provision for a Spouse or Partner
The deceased may have provided little or nothing to their spouse or de facto partner, potentially due to an estranged relationship, changes in family dynamics, or a delay in making a new will after events such as a separation or divorce. In such cases, the surviving spouse may feel they deserve more from the estate, especially if they contributed to the deceased’s wealth or household. Another factor that many spouses are unaware of is that intestacy rules do not automatically leave the entire estate to the surviving spouse if there are children. Some people neglect to make a will, assuming that their spouse will inherit everything, which is not always the case.
Children Left Out of the Will
Adult children may sometimes be left out of a parent’s will, particularly in situations involving blended families or estranged relationships. A child may challenge the will if they believe they were entitled to a share of the estate or that the deceased had a moral obligation to provide for them. However, it is important to note that a family provision application is not about traditional notions of fairness or distributing the estate equally among all children. There is no automatic legal requirement for a parent to provide for adult children in their will. The court must consider various criteria, including the individual circumstances and needs of all parties involved, when making a decision.
Dependents Who Were Financially Supported
Other family members or non-relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased may have grounds to seek provision. For instance, a grandchild who lived with the deceased and relied on their financial support or an elderly relative cared for by the deceased could be eligible to claim a portion of the estate.
Financial Hardship Cases
An eligible applicant experiencing financial hardship, such as severe health issues, may be able to make a Family Provision Claim. If the deceased did not account for this hardship, the individual may argue that they deserve more significant provision from the estate to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Lack of Consideration for Long-Term Contributions
A surviving partner or child’s significant contribution to the deceased’s business or household is one of the factors a court may consider when deciding the outcome of a family provision claim. These contributions can include financial support, unpaid work, or emotional and practical support provided over many years. If the will does not adequately reflect such contributions, the court may take this into account when determining whether a larger share of the estate should be awarded to the claimant.
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FAMILY PROVISIONS CLAIM IN QLD FAQ
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Why Choose GLG Legal for Your Family Provision Claim?
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GLG Legal is committed to helping clients navigate the often challenging and emotional process of Family Provision Claims. With extensive experience in succession law, Mehera Saunders leads our estate litigation practice. She is an Accredited Specialist in succession law, a trusted figure in the legal community, and an advocate for high standards in estate dispute resolution.
Mehera’s involvement in the Queensland Law Society’s Succession Law Committee and Specialist Accreditation Sub-committee underscores her dedication to the field and her exceptional level of expertise. Her empathetic approach, paired with her in-depth knowledge of Queensland’s succession laws, enables our team to achieve successful outcomes in even the most complex cases.
Whether you’re seeking a larger share of an estate or defending against a claim, GLG Legal is here to provide expert guidance and representation.
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If you believe you have grounds for a Family Provision Claim, reach out to GLG Legal for a confidential consultation. Our experienced team, led by Mehera Saunders, is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need to navigate your case. Don’t wait—contact us today to discuss your options and secure your fair share of the estate.
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