CASE: NSW Trustee & Guardian v McGrath [2013] NSWSC 1894

Ethel Clarke was estranged from her family. Her closest relatives where six grandchildren who she rarely saw and who appeared to want nothing to do with her.

When Ethel died in October 2009 without a Will, the NSW Trustee & Guardian were appointed as the administrators of her estate.

Maurice McGrath claimed that he had been Ethel's de facto partner of more than 20 years, and was therefore entitled to a share of her estate.

The grandchildren disputed this, but how would they really know anything about Ethel's life?

The fight for Ethel's estate was still ongoing 4 years later, when Maurice died. Leaving it to Maurice's estate to continue the fight on his behalf.