Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949, s 3

Anyone can make a claim under the Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949 if you have promised to leave that person something in your will in return for services rendered or work done, and you have not kept that promise. For example, the person may have taken care of you when you were ill or looked after your property, and in return you may have promised to provide for the person in your will.

It may not be necessary to prove that a promise was made expressly. The court may be prepared to infer from the surrounding circumstances that there was a promise.

Note: It can sometimes be difficult to prove that a promise was made. Evidence can be oral or written; for example, letters. Previous wills can also be evidence of the will-maker’s intentions.

Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949, s 3

The claimant must show that they provided services or performed work for you in your lifetime and that you made an express or implied promise to reward the claimant for the services or work by making some provision for the claimant when you died.

Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949, s 3

The court will consider all the circumstances of the case, including, in particular:

• the circumstances in which the promise was made and the services were rendered or the work was performed
• the value of the services or work
• the value of what was promised
• the amount of the estate
• the nature and amounts of the claims against the estate by other people.

Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949, s 3

The court can award the claimant payment out of the estate that is reasonable, considering all the circumstances of the case.

Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949, s 6

A claim must be filed in the court within 12 months of the grant of probate. The court can extend this time frame, but not if the estate has already been distributed.