The Bold and the Beneficiaries

Published in Coffs Coast News of the Area on 22 May 2026.

Henry, a 72-year-old wealthy businessman known for his extravagant lifestyle, marries Elena, his fourth wife, after a whirlwind romance overseas.

Henry assures Elena that she “will always be looked after” and repeatedly tells mutual friends that “everything I have will one day be hers”.

Henry has four adult biological children from previous relationships and three adult stepchildren from his long-term former relationship with Sonia. Although the relationship ended years earlier, Sonia and her children remained involved in family events and Henry frequently referred to them as “part of the family”.

A year before his death, Henry executes a new Will leaving the majority of his estate, including a rural property worth eight million dollars, equally to his four biological children. Elena receives only a modest cash gift. Sonia and her children receive nothing under the Will.

Not long after Henry’s death, bitter proceedings commence against his estate.

Elena alleges that Henry failed to make adequate provision for her as his surviving spouse.

Sonia also brings proceedings, arguing that she made substantial financial and emotional contributions to Henry’s wealth during their relationship and sacrificed her own career opportunities for him.

Sonia’s children further allege that Henry promised throughout their lives that they “would always be part of the family”.

Henry’s executors argue that the Will reflected his final intentions and any promises made over the years were merely emotional statements made during complicated personal relationships.

The Court notes the significant difficulty in resolving estate disputes involving competing family members, alleged assurances and decades of undocumented personal and financial arrangements.

After extensive and expensive proceedings, the Court orders provision from the estate in favour of Elena and two of Sonia’s children.

Thank you to Ellysha Laklem for her assistance with this column.

Email Manny Wood, Principal Solicitor and Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates at TB Law at [email protected] or call him on (02) 66 487 487. This fictional column is not legal advice.