Elder Law | Research Capability & Technology Portfolio

Internationally recognised expertise in the law of succession, an aspect of 'elder law', which concerns inheritance and the passing of property on death. Wills and other instruments are more commonly executed in later years of life, where the management of lack of capacity and end of life decision-making of all kinds is highly sensitive yet holds a critical social function. Special recognition for work on Indigenous people's inheritance needs and how to deal with them.

Competitive advantage

Expertise in the drafting of instruments such as wills, enduring powers of attorney and guardianship and understanding their social necessity - situating these issues into a social context (including Indigenous and Multicultural contexts)
Understanding the social necessity of instruments such as wills, enduring powers of attorney and guardianship and situating these issues into a social context (including Indigenous and multicultural contexts)
World leading scholar in the area of Indigenous issues in succession law

Impact

Reducing litigation in relation to succession law
Reducing family and social conflict by planning for intergenerational transfer particularly in Indigenous communities

Successful outcomes

The Aboriginal Wills Handbook: making culturally appropriate wills for Aboriginal people, (the Public Trustee & Guardian, NSW, 3rd ed, 2019) taken up by the Aboriginal Legal and Medical Services and pro bono services in all jurisdictions in Australia
Reduced level of intestacy in Indigenous communities

Capabilities and facilities

Knowledge and skills of drafting and interviewing

Our partners

NSW Trustee & Guardian
NSW Aboriginal Advisory Justice Committee
Indigenous Law Centre UNSW