What is testamentary capacity?

Testamentary capacity is a legal concept requiring that the deceased fully understood the nature and effect of their will when they created or signed it. While a will can be challenged if the deceased lacked this understanding—such as not comprehending their assets, beneficiaries, or the consequences of the will—proving this in court is often complex. The legal test can be difficult to meet, and even if it seems clear to others that the deceased lacked capacity, the court’s decision will ultimately hinge on the strength of the evidence presented. For more detailed information on testamentary capacity,

How do I prove undue influence?

Proving undue influence is notoriously difficult, as it requires clear evidence that the deceased was coerced or manipulated into making their will. This might include testimony from witnesses, medical records, or documentation demonstrating the deceased’s vulnerability. However, even if there are suspicions of undue influence, the evidentiary burden is high, and persuading the court can be challenging. If the judge is not convinced, the claim will not succeed, regardless of other opinions. For further details on undue influence

What is a family provision claim?

A family provision claim allows eligible individuals—such as spouses, children, or dependents—who believe they were not adequately provided for in a will to seek a larger share of the estate. While this may seem straightforward, the legal process can be complex, and outcomes are not always aligned with what people might consider fair or just. Success depends heavily on the facts and how the court interprets them, with the judge having the final say. For more in-depth information on family provision claims,

How long do I have to contest a will in Queensland?

You have six months from the date of death to notify the executor of your intention to contest the will. The claim itself must be filed within nine months of the deceased’s death. It’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss these deadlines.

Can I contest a will if I was estranged from the deceased?

In some cases, you may still be able to contest a will if you were estranged from the deceased. This often depends on the length and reason for the estrangement, as well as your relationship to the deceased. For example, children or spouses may still have a valid claim even if they were not in contact with the deceased at the time of death.

What happens if the will is found to be invalid?

If a will is declared invalid, the estate may be distributed according to a previous valid will. If no previous will exists, the estate will be divided according to Queensland’s intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed when there is no valid will.

Grounds for Contesting a Will in Queensland

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In Queensland, a will can be contested under a number of legal grounds. The most common reasons include:

Lack of Testamentary Capacity

For a will to be valid, the person making it must have testamentary capacity, meaning they must understand the nature and effect of their decisions at the time of signing. While mental illness or conditions like dementia can impact this, they do not automatically invalidate a will. The critical question is whether the illness affected the person’s ability to comprehend the extent of their assets, the beneficiaries, and the consequences of the will. If there was confusion or misunderstanding about these key factors, there may be grounds to contest the will.

Undue Influence or Coercion

If the deceased was pressured or coerced into making or changing their will, it may be declared invalid. However, proving undue influence is challenging, as the standard of proof is high. Coercion can take many forms, from emotional manipulation to physical threats, but there must be clear evidence that the deceased was not acting of their own free will. Mere suspicion or concerns about improper behaviour are not enough; there must be concrete proof that someone directly influenced the will to their benefit.

Fraud or Forgery

A will can be contested if there is clear evidence of fraud or forgery, such as someone forging the deceased’s signature or making alterations without their knowledge. However, the burden of proof in these cases is exceptionally high, and suspicion or belief that something improper occurred is not enough. You would need solid evidence to prove that the deceased was deceived or that the will was tampered with before a court would consider invalidating it.

Lack of Proper Execution

For a will to be valid, it must be executed in accordance with Queensland law. This means that the will must be in writing, signed by the deceased, and witnessed by two independent individuals who were present at the time the will was signed. If these formalities were not observed, the will may be invalid, and you can contest it on these grounds.

Family Provision Claims

If you believe you have not been adequately provided for in a will, you may be able to make a family provision claim under the Succession Act 1981. This is one of the most common grounds for contesting a will. Certain eligible individuals, such as spouses, children, or dependents, can apply to the court for a larger share of the estate if they were not adequately cared for in the will.

Who Can Contest a Will?

In Queensland, only certain individuals have the legal right to contest a will. These include:

Spouses: A legal spouse or de facto partner can contest a will, particularly if they feel they were not adequately provided for.
Children: This includes biological children, adopted children, and sometimes stepchildren who were financially dependent on the deceased.
Dependents: Individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased at the time of their death, such as grandchildren or other family members, may also have grounds to contest a will.

Each of these parties may be able to challenge the distribution of an estate if they can provide evidence they have been left out of a will or not adequately provided for.

How to Contest a Will

If you believe you have grounds to contest a will, it’s important to follow the correct legal procedures. Here’s how to get started:

Seek Legal Advice: Contact an experienced will dispute lawyer to discuss your situation. Time limits apply to contesting a will in Queensland, so it’s crucial to act quickly. You must notify the executor of your intention to contest within six months of the deceased’s death and file your claim within nine months.
Gather Evidence: Your lawyer will help you gather evidence to support your claim, whether it’s medical records showing a lack of testamentary capacity or evidence of undue influence.
Engage in Negotiation or Mediation: In some cases, will disputes are resolved outside of court through negotiation or mediation. GLG Legal recommend seeking legal advice ior to entering any type of negotiations.
Proceed to Court: If mediation fails, your case may need to go to court, where a judge will decide the outcome of the dispute.

WILL DISPUTES IN QLD FAQ

What is testamentary capacity?

Testamentary capacity is a legal concept requiring that the deceased fully understood the nature and effect of their will when they created or signed it. While a will can be challenged if the deceased lacked this understanding—such as not comprehending their assets, beneficiaries, or the consequences of the will—proving this in court is often complex. The legal test can be difficult to meet, and even if it seems clear to others that the deceased lacked capacity, the court’s decision will ultimately hinge on the strength of the evidence presented. For more detailed information on testamentary capacity,
How do I prove undue influence?

Proving undue influence is notoriously difficult, as it requires clear evidence that the deceased was coerced or manipulated into making their will. This might include testimony from witnesses, medical records, or documentation demonstrating the deceased’s vulnerability. However, even if there are suspicions of undue influence, the evidentiary burden is high, and persuading the court can be challenging. If the judge is not convinced, the claim will not succeed, regardless of other opinions. For further details on undue influence
What is a family provision claim?

A family provision claim allows eligible individuals—such as spouses, children, or dependents—who believe they were not adequately provided for in a will to seek a larger share of the estate. While this may seem straightforward, the legal process can be complex, and outcomes are not always aligned with what people might consider fair or just. Success depends heavily on the facts and how the court interprets them, with the judge having the final say. For more in-depth information on family provision claims,
How long do I have to contest a will in Queensland?

You have six months from the date of death to notify the executor of your intention to contest the will. The claim itself must be filed within nine months of the deceased’s death. It’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss these deadlines.
Can I contest a will if I was estranged from the deceased?

In some cases, you may still be able to contest a will if you were estranged from the deceased. This often depends on the length and reason for the estrangement, as well as your relationship to the deceased. For example, children or spouses may still have a valid claim even if they were not in contact with the deceased at the time of death.
What happens if the will is found to be invalid?

If a will is declared invalid, the estate may be distributed according to a previous valid will. If no previous will exists, the estate will be divided according to Queensland’s intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed when there is no valid will.

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What to Do Next if You Believe You Have Grounds to Contest a Will

If you believe you have grounds to contest a will, it’s crucial to act quickly due to the strict time limits involved. The first step is to contact an experienced will dispute lawyer who can review the details of the will and your relationship to the deceased. At GLG Legal, we specialise in will disputes and can provide expert guidance throughout the process.

Here’s what to do:

Contact GLG Legal for a Consultation: Our experienced lawyers will evaluate your situation and help you understand your rights under Queensland law.
Review Your Eligibility: We will assess whether you fall into one of the categories of individuals who can legally contest a will.
Gather Evidence: We will work with you to collect the necessary evidence to support your claim, whether it’s regarding testamentary capacity, undue influence, or lack of provision.
Begin the Legal Process: We’ll guide you through the steps, from negotiating with the estate’s executor to representing you in court if necessary.

For more information on contesting a will or to schedule a consultation, contact GLG Legal today.

GLG Legal is committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of will disputes and ensuring that their legal rights are upheld. If you

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Matthew Sant

03:35 06 Mar 24

We have used GLG for conveyancy several times through the years. They and Mylee have been excellent to work with.

Gary Wilson

03:17 26 Feb 24

Super efficient and easy to deal with, which is why I'd highly recommend them for all professional services relating to the sale of your property.

Hannah dos Santos

02:56 23 Feb 24

Mylee was fantastic. Thank you so much for helping us navigate a challenging settlement. The process had a number of hurdles but Mylee explained everything patiently and did her best to get us there.Thanks Mylee and GLG Legal

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Jamii-lee Keys

10:24 23 Jan 24

Can't recommend Mylee enough! I recently engaged her for the sale of my investment property and now in the process of purchasing again, not to mention we will continue to refer our clients to GLG because of the great work Mylee has done over the years! Our clients rave about her and the high level of service they have received so we will continue to work with her and can't thank her enough for how patient she is when ensuring clients completely understand each situation and their options. Keep up the great work! 🙂

Raelene White

10:12 09 Jan 24

Professional, dedicated and friendly staff who delivered a seamless service in the end to end process of selling/conveyancing to settlement. Communication was of the highest standard.Big thanks to Sam and Mylee. I highly recommend GLG legal.

Anne Marshall

02:09 04 Jan 24

I have used GLG Legal for several years and multiple properties through sales and development. My main solicitors were Christopher Saines who was professional, supportive, trustworthy, truthful and the hardest working solicitor I have met. When I was in great need he was always prepared to go past ordinary hours. I have nothing but praise for my experiences with him. I was also happy with Mylee On, also willing to assist with timing and the client's needs, she clarified and did not waste time. She simplified rather than expounding legalese as some can. I was exceptionally grateful for the help I received and would (and have) recommended them to friends and associates. Their fees were very fair and I felt great value. There is a broad range of staff so I have used names for my most valued solicitors.

Reza Davari

09:39 06 Dec 23

Mylee was always available for all our queries and concerns. She made the property purchase a very smooth process.

Valentin Morozov

08:35 06 Dec 23

GLG Legal were excellent with providing legal and conveyancing service for the purchase of me and wife's first home. They were efficient, friendly and reliable. Would definitely recommend.

Victoria Winners

23:28 21 Nov 23

Mylee was amazing to us the entire house buying/settlement process. We highly recommend her for ease of mind. It's our first time buying a house and it was all so nerve racking but with the help of Mylee, she made sure all things stayed afloat and everything fell into place as planned. Thank you Mylee! You're an absolute star!

Glen Brouwer

21:06 23 Aug 23

Mylee at GLG came highly recommended and our experience was exactly that 5 star! The process of selling our property with Mylee was smooth from start to finish. Thank you for handling our transaction. We would definitely use GLG again.

Morgan Tatterson

14:18 22 Aug 23

Very prompt, detail and showed unparalleled care towards us as clients

Mathew Taylor

03:37 12 Jul 23

I've worked with two of the team at GLG Legal, and both were excellent.Prue Lowder handled the conveyancing of a recent property purchase. Her advise and knowledge was invaluable in ensuring a smooth and painless transaction. Getting her advice before signing the contract was the best descision I made and I highly reccomend anyone do that.Cathy Vo is also a wonderful solicitor to deal with, handling my wife and i's wills, enduring power of attorney's etc with great care and consideration. Getting her advice on some of the more complicated family situations has really put our mind at ease, knowing that things will be sorted out the way we want.I have no hesitation in reccomending both of these professionals.

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