Paul had two adult children from his first marriage. He had been married to his second wife, Genevieve, when he died aged 47. There were no other children.

Paul had promised Genevieve she would receive their valuable family home should he die. The balance of his assets were to go to his children. Genevieve was forced to commence a challenge against Paul’s estate. Sure, she had received the home. However, she had no money to maintain it. She desperately wanted to continue living in the house. This is what had been agreed.

She needed money to produce an income and to meet maintenance costs etc. Paul’s only other asset of any significance was a waterfront property on the coast left to him by his father. Paul was adamant this property stay in his family.

In the end Genevieve succeeded. The Court accepted her argument. The waterfront property had to be sold. This outcome was as predictable as it was avoidable.