The article contains good information and starting points, and examines some of the options available to parents to consider.

The New South Wales Supreme Court decision in Re Absolute Vision Technologies Pty Ltd (subject to deed of company administration) [2024] NSWSC 1010 provides judicial guidance in relation to whether a former corporate trustee, despite being in voluntary administration, could complete a sale contract for SMSF property and distribute the proceeds to the new trustee.

In the case of Dryandra Investments Pty Ltd v Hardie by her guardian ad litem Ian Torrington Blatchford [2024] WASC 24, the Supreme Court of Western Australia examined a key aspect of estate planning and structuring: ensuring proper succession for the roles of appointor and guardian. The decision underscores the risks that arise when these crucial roles are overlooked, and succession is not addressed by an appointor or guardian before they lose capacity or pass away.

Harwood Andrews is pleased to announce that 11 lawyers have been included in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

The New South Wales Supreme Court has reconvened for a second time, this time addressing the implications of a lost trust deed.  This decision highlights the crucial responsibility of trustees to properly preserve trust deed documents, not only to maintain the trust’s validity but also to prevent adverse outcomes, such as taxation or duties.