Home » From our files

From our files

LAW can be an awfully serious profession. However, amidst the long hours of conferences and cases, letters and law libraries there are rare moments of genuine mirth. We have changed the names of those involved in these strange and amusing tales to protect the innocent and the guilty.

Rags to riches Lucy had an unfortunate life. Unable to care for her, her mother left baby Lucy in a bassinet on the steps of St Mark’s cathedral in Venice, Italy. She was raised as an orphan by nuns, and never knew her real parents.

As a young woman she changed her name and set out on an adventure that would take her around the world and eventually to Albany, Western Australia. She met James, a young shearer and they married. Sadly, they separated only a few years later.

Lucy then settled in Sydney and enjoyed success as a sports photographer. Fate again intervened when her eyesight failed forcing her into early retirement.

A battler, living in relative obscurity in Western Sydney,
Lucy’s fortunes suddenly changed when James died.

James had no children and was survived by 2 sisters and a few nieces and nephews. Through a combination of hard work and frugal living, James had accumulated wealth including a house and investments.

While separated for over 30 years, James and Lucy had never divorced. James had not made a Will. According to the intestacy laws Lucy received most of James’ estate!

Have you made a Will? Visit our Making your Will page
Slack settlements After her offer to buy a new home was accepted, Dr Klein engaged Slack Settlements to complete the settlement of the contract and to collect the certificate of title from the seller.

When a summer clerk at Mallesons told Dr Klein that green titles are better than strata titles, she telephoned Slack who promised that she would get a green title.

Settlement was successfully completed, but to her horror Dr Klein ended up with a strata title. She wants to sue Slack. What was our advice to her?

Tough luck Doc!

While we can’t explain why Slack promised you’d get a green title, it doesn’t change the fact you signed a legally binding contract to buy a strata title, and you completed the contract.

Get advice before you sign a real estate contract. Visit Real estate settlements