Deeds Of Family Arrangement

A deed is a type of legal document.  A deed of family arrangement is simply a deed recording the distribution of an estate where the distribution is not made in accordance with a will or the laws of intestacy.  The purpose of the deed is to record the agreed distribution for posterity, and to protect the personal representative from a subsequent claim.

Deeds of family arrangement may be used in the following circumstances:

• Where there are doubts about the meaning of a will, the affected beneficiaries can reach an agreement about how the will is to be put into effect;
• Where the beneficiaries wish to rearrange the distribution of the estate between themselves;
• To compromise a claim against the estate such as a family provision claim; and
• To create an estate proceeds trust under the taxation legislation.

Any arrangement that would reduce the entitlement of a disabled person, such as a minor or an intellectually disabled person, will require the Court’s approval.

Willis & Bowring can assist you in preparing a deed of family of arrangement or providing independent advice about its contents.