Blog
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Stepmother Mortgages Family Home Left for Sons
15 SEPTEMBER 2025 , LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION , WILLS & ESTATE PLANNINGJim Thynne died in 2011, survived by his wife Victoria and sons Harry (from a previous marriage) and Patrick. In Jim's will, Victoria was left the family home valued $4 million. This was under the condition that Victoria would leave the family home to Patrick and Harry equally when she died. In 2020, Victoria took out a mortgage over the family home. She used that money to keep the family farm running and to buy another property. Read more
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Widow Preserves Deceased Husband to Bear His Child
10 SEPTEMBER 2025 , LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTIONMr Cerith Smith died in a car accident in 2025. Before his death, he and his partner, Michelle Montgomery, had planned to try for another child. Michelle applied to the Supreme Court to have his semen removed and stored. Read more
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The Importance of Employment Contracts for Employers
02 SEPTEMBER 2025 , COMMERCIAL & BUSINESS LAWAt Fox & Staniland Lawyers, we regularly advise employers on how comprehensive employment contracts can serve as a crucial risk management tool. Here's why they are so important. Read more
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Son Makes Claim After Violent Past
14 AUGUST 2025 , CONTESTING A WILL , ESTATE DISPUTESMrs Bertilla Girotto died in 2022 at the age of 90. Her estate was valued at $3.6 million. 11 days before her death, Bertilla changed her will. Read more
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What Is a Grant of Probate and Why Do I Need One?
06 AUGUST 2025 , PROBATE & DECEASED ESTATESAt Fox & Staniland Lawyers, we help families navigate this process with care, clarity, and compassion. Here’s a simple guide to what a Grant of Probate is and when it’s needed. Read more
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Son Kicked Out of Family Home Makes Claim
15 JULY 2025 , ESTATE DISPUTES , CONTESTING A WILL , WILLS & ESTATE PLANNINGA lady dies with most of her estate being held within the family home. Her youngest son is forced to leave the property, triggering a claim against the estate. Read more
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Farewell David Thomas Fox
15 JULY 2025 It is with a heavy heart that we advise that David Fox, one of our founding partners, passed away on Saturday 21 June 2025. David will always be remembered fondly by everyone who has worked at Fox & Staniland and especially his many clients. Read more
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Estranged Son Demands Share of Estate
17 JUNE 2025 , ESTATE DISPUTES , CONTESTING A WILLAn estranged son made a $140,000 claim on his late mother’s $475,000 estate, arguing financial hardship and a lack of education and support. Read more
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When A Creditor Wants Control
13 MAY 2025 , ESTATE DISPUTESA recent case in the NSW Supreme Court displayed the challenges which arise when a person dies without a will. When a person dies without a will, they are said to have died intestate. Read more
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Avoiding A Gift Failing
16 APRIL 2025 , ESTATE DISPUTESThe NSW Supreme Court recently found that in certain circumstances a gift left in a will can still go to the right person even if the asset no longer exists when the person dies Read more
