In this episode of the Wills and Estates Transmission Podcast, Tony speaks with Julia Tutt from de Groots about what can happen when family assumptions, verbal promises and estate planning do not match.

The discussion centres on Tarazi v Paras [2026] NSWSC 369, a New South Wales Supreme Court case involving three daughters and a property in Ashbury.

Two of the daughters claimed their father had verbally promised the property to them. However, his will divided the property between all three daughters.

Julia explains why a family understanding or a single conversation may not be enough to establish a legal entitlement to property. She also discusses proprietary estoppel, the importance of documenting significant arrangements and the responsibilities of executors.

The case also provides a warning for executors who delay administering an estate. Ignoring an estate or waiting for time to pass does not remove the obligation to deal with it properly.

• Can a verbal promise determine who receives a property?
• What is proprietary estoppel?
• Why family “lore” can lead to disputes
• Why important arrangements should be documented
• What happens when executors fail to administer an estate
• Whether the eldest child has greater inheritance rights
• How an executor should be chosen
• Why families need to have difficult estate planning conversations

Do not rely on assumptions, informal conversations or family stories about who will inherit a property.

Have the conversation, obtain proper advice and make sure the intended arrangement is clearly documented.

Tarazi v Paras [2026] NSWSC 369

This podcast provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained for individual circumstances.

In This EpisodeKey TakeawayCase DiscussedDisclaimer

In this episode of De Groots with DeGroots, Tony Skinner speaks with Elizabeth Lorimer about estrangement in family provision applications.

Elizabeth explains that estrangement is a factor the court may consider, but it is not an automatic barrier to a claim.

The discussion covers how courts assess need, the difference between estrangement and disentitling conduct, why family provision cases are highly fact-specific, and why simply leaving someone out of a will does not guarantee they cannot make a claim.

The episode also looks at practical considerations for will makers, including the importance of documenting reasons for unequal provision and understanding how courts may treat long-term family breakdowns.

Estrangement can be relevant in a family provision application, but it is only one factor among many. The court will still consider the size of the estate, the applicant’s need, competing claims, and the relationship between the applicant and the deceased.

Elizabeth notes that many family provision applications settle at mediation, particularly in Queensland where mediation is mandatory. Even so, lawyers still need to prepare the case as if it may ultimately be heard by the court.

A central issue in family provision law is whether the applicant has been adequately provided for. The applicant’s financial need is often the critical factor. Without need, the court may not have power to make further provision.

Elizabeth explains that estrangement may involve a long breakdown in the relationship, lack of contact, distance, or family conflict. Disentitling conduct is much more serious and may involve violence, serious theft, abuse, or other gross behaviour.

Elizabeth is clear that there is no foolproof way to exclude a child from making a family provision claim. A child’s eligibility remains, even where there has been long-term estrangement. Leaving a reason in the will or a separate document may help provide context, but it is not a guarantee

In this episode of the Wills & Estates Transmission Podcast with de Groots, Tony Skinner speaks with Maree Harris about elder abuse and the important role solicitors can play in identifying warning signs, protecting vulnerable clients, and ensuring estate planning instructions are genuinely coming from the client.

Elder abuse is a growing concern, especially as Australia’s population ages and more families deal with estate planning, powers of attorney, capacity and intergenerational wealth.

Maree explains what elder abuse is, the different forms it can take, and why psychological, emotional and financial abuse are often the most common. She also discusses the importance of meeting elderly clients privately, taking instructions directly from the client, assessing capacity properly, and knowing when warning signs may require further action.

If you suspect elder abuse, you can contact the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221.

What elder abuse means under the World Health Organization definition

• The importance of a relationship of trust
• Common forms of elder abuse, including emotional, psychological, financial, physical, sexual abuse and neglect
• Warning signs solicitors should look for when advising elderly clients
• Why solicitors should meet elderly clients alone when taking instructions
• How financial abuse can occur through bank accounts or powers of attorney
• The importance of checking whether an attorney has authority to make gifts or transfer funds
• Capacity assessments and why capacity depends on the decision being made
• The risks of family members giving instructions on behalf of an older person
• Why elderly people may be reluctant to speak up
• The role of education around wills, powers of attorney and enduring guardianship
• What to do if elder abuse is suspected
• The NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline

NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline
1800 628 221

In this episode, Julia Tutt discusses the legal and emotional aspects of funerals, burial rights, and organ donation, emphasising the importance of communication and planning for end-of-life arrangements.

Key topics

• Role of executor in funeral arrangements
• Legal distinction between wishes and binding directives
• Importance of discussing end-of-life wishes with family
• Organ donation procedures and legal considerations
• Case study on funeral disputes and court intervention

In this podcast episode, Tony interviews Margot De Groot about the role and importance of notaries public.

Margot explains what a notary public is, the differences between notaries and justices of the peace, and common misconceptions surrounding notarial services.

She emphasises the trust and fiduciary role of notaries in verifying documents for international use, particularly in estate matters and legal documentation.

The conversation also addresses common questions people have about notaries and provides key takeaways for listeners.takeaways

• A notary public is a solicitor with a minimum of 10 years of practice.
• Notaries verify documents for international use, ensuring trust.
• Common reasons for needing a notary include estate matters and academic records.
• Notaries differ from justices of the peace in their legal authority.
• Notaries can perform a variety of roles, including international shipping documentation.
• Personal attendance is required for notarization to verify identity.
• Notaries hold a historical role dating back to the 12th century.
• Public awareness of notaries is limited compared to justices of the peace.
• Each state has a society of notaries with comprehensive resources.
• Understanding the distinction between notaries and JPs is crucial.

In this episode, Tony and Isabel Ayoub discuss the critical relationship between marriage and wills, particularly in New South Wales.

They explore how marriage can revoke existing wills unless specific clauses are included, the legal criteria for marriage, and the importance of updating estate planning documents.

The conversation emphasises the need for individuals to consult with estate planning lawyers to ensure their wishes are honored and to avoid complications that may arise from not updating their wills after significant life events such as marriage or divorce.

• Marriage revokes your will unless made in contemplation of marriage.
• Estate planning is crucial during major life events like marriage.
• Many people neglect to update their wills after marriage.
• Legal criteria for marriage include consent and not being closely related.
• Wills can remain valid if they include specific clauses.
• It's important to understand the implications of marriage on your estate.
• Consulting an estate planning lawyer is essential for proper guidance.
• Estate planning documents should be regularly reviewed and updated.
• Divorce and annulment have separate legal considerations in estate planning.
• Your estate includes more than just property; it encompasses all assets.

This is a lighhearted conversation about a serious topic. We are not aiming to offend.

The conversation delves into the Troja case, where a woman was found guilty of manslaughter for killing her husband.

The discussion highlights the implications of the forfeiture rule, which prevented her from inheriting anything from her husband's will, redirecting the inheritance to her mother-in-law instead.

In this episode of the Wills and Transmissions podcast, hostTony speaks with junior lawyer Isabel Ayoub about the critical issue of mental health in the legal profession.

They discuss the unique pressures faced by junior lawyers, the importance of support systems, and the need for a positive approach to well-being.

Isabel shares insights from her experiences and a recent conference on lawyer well-being, emphasising the need for open conversations about mental health and practical strategies for maintaining it in a high-stress environment.

In this episode of the Wills and Estate Transmission podcast, Julia Tutt discusses the importance of understanding and properly executing an enduring power of attorney (EPOA) to manage financial affairs during one's lifetime.

Julia emphasises that EPOAs are crucial for estate planning, especially with the generational wealth transfer underway in Australia.

She advises appointing trustworthy attorneys, preferably more than one to prevent financial elder abuse, and highlights the significance of legal advice to avoid confusion and misuse of the document.

Julia also stresses the importance of open communication within families and staying updated with technological advancements to maintain financial independence and reduce vulnerability.

Continuing the series, in this episode, Tony speaks again with John de Groot, Partner at de Groots, about one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in estate planning: capacity.

Capacity issues are increasingly common as our population ages, and they play a critical role in determining whether wills, enduring powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents are valid.

John explains the legal definition of capacity, the “red flags”solicitors need to look out for, and the fine balance between respecting a client’s autonomy and protecting against undue influence or incapacity.