A man has entered a Will dispute for the multi-million dollar estate of Reg Grundy under the assertion that he is his unknown son.
The case of the long-lost son
The powerhouse behind hit Australian shows Wheel of Fortune and Neighbours, Grundy was said to have had a fortune of over AU $880 million. Joining the man claiming to be the lost son of Grundy is the media mogul’s daughter, who he had an estranged relationship with. Allegedly, the process of obtaining and analysing biological samples of both parties is underway in order to determine paternity.
If paternity is proven, the man may be able to claim part of Grundy’s estate – however, it is likely that the Court will investigate the nature of the relationship between the two parties, and why the man hadn’t come forward while Grundy was still alive.
Why might I be able to dispute a Will?
In New South Wales, a number of eligible people are allowed to contest a Will. Under the Family Provisions Act 1982 (NSW) those who are able to dispute the division of an estate are outlined as the following:
- An ex-wife husband, or de-facto partner of the deceased.
- A child of the deceased.
- A grandchild of the deceased.
- Someone who had relied financially on the deceased, or were considered a dependent.
- Someone who resided in a household in which the deceased was a member.
When considering a claim under the Family Provisions Act 1982 (NSW), the Court will need to investigate the relationship between the claimant and the deceased in order to determine moral obligation or need. For this to be recognised, there needs to be evidence that the deceased had an obligation to provide for you in order for your advancement in life or to allow you to have an acceptable standard of living.
However, if there has been an estranged relationship between the claimant and the deceased, this can complicate matters further. The Court will conduct proceedings into better understanding the nature of the relationship between the two parties, and the reason for the estrangement. If the reason for the strained relationship is at the fault of the deceased, for reasons such as abuse or neglect, the claimant may be awarded part of the estate. If the relationship naturally ended, however, this may not be considered grounds for a claim.
If you are seeking to contest the division of an estate, it’s important that you get in touch with the team at Gerard Malouf & Partners Will Disputes Lawyers to assist with your claim.
