One such niece, Patricia Meadows, had been married to Alfie Meadows. Alfie was seeking entitlement to a share in the residue of the estate belonging to Patricia, who had died before the testator. He was doing so on the basis of the language contained in the Will that if any of the testator’s nieces or nephews predeceased him, that person’s share was to be paid to their surviving spouse.

The problem for Alfie was that he had been convicted of Patricia’s murder! The Court quite justly denied Alfie entitlement to Patricia’s share in the estate by applying the general rule of public policy that a person is precluded from benefiting from a crime.

The irony in this case is that while Alfie’s crime didn’t pay for him, it did benefit the surviving nieces and nephews, as the gift was a class gift (when a member of the class is disqualified their share is divided amongst the remaining members).

While this case made for an interesting read, I can only hope that the decision will help deter similar claims from arising again.

Have a good day,

Natalia Angelini

An extended family can include a spouse, former spouse whether legal or common-law, children and their respective spouses (and former spouses), grandchildren and their spouses (and former spouses), siblings, nieces and nephews, extra-marital partners and other dependents, whether related to you or not. It is possible that any one of the above-noted people might bring a claim against the estate, or raise a dispute. Jealousy amongst family members and/or the anticipation or expectation that they are to or will receive all or a portion of the estate, however unwarranted, may lead to family members taking unreasonable positions with respect to claims they feel they have against the estate.

In making an estate plan then, it is critical to have any and all agreements that may affect your estate plan prepared before you die. These agreements could include separation, marriage, co-habitation, partnership, employment and shareholders agreements depending on the nature and make up of your estate.

While the secrets one has from a family may be extremely touchy, emotional or just difficult to disclose or deal with, their disclosure following death may lead to demands against the estate. An extra-marital relationship, an illness of whatever kind not known to the family, a relationship with a caregiver or promises made to caregivers regarding their compensation can be examples of such secrets. For instance, a friend or family member may be assisting with one’s errands or day to day care. If promises are made to the family friend or relative that they will be “looked after” upon one’s death, then they may make a claim against your estate following your death if their relationship with you and/or compensation is not clearly known.

Another example might be where the major assets in the estate are real estate. The beneficiaries of those assets might well get into an unnecessary argument over the handling of such assets if there is not enough cash to pay for the liabilities (i.e. taxes, expenses) that might arise upon death. This circumstance could be avoided with the purchase of sufficient life insurance to cover these liabilities upon death.

Your choice of a personal representative for your estate should also be given serious consideration. The beneficiaries of your estate will no doubt be critical of the executor and trustee appointed under your Will if the executor and trustee are perceived to be biased to certain family members.

The causes of estate litigation discussed in yesterday’s and today’s blogs are not an exhaustive list. The causes discussed are not in and of themselves a legal basis to make a claim against the estate. Having said that, if one does not have a well planned estate plan, the causes discussed can often lead to family members or others who believe that they deserve or are entitled to a portion of the estate to look for a basis upon which to challenge your Will or bring a claim against the estate for dependent’s relief under the Family Law Act, breach of contract or perhaps constructive trust.

Have a great day.

Craig.