Tantau v MacFarlane [2010] NSWSC 224

Tantau v MacFarlane [2010] NSWSC 224

The will of Mona Alexis Fox is to be rectified to identify the National Gallery of Victoria as beneficiary, the gift is valid for charitable purposes, the National Gallery of Victoria's disclaimer is effective due to misapprehension of conditions, and the charitable gift does not fail—an alternate trustee should be identified, or, failing that, cy-près administration should proceed.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
25 March 2010
Procedural Posture
Will/probate Rectification and Administration / Principal Judgment
Outcome
Will rectified; gift valid for charitable purposes; disclaimer effective; alternative trustee to be sought; provision for cy-près scheme if no trustee found.
Legal Topics
['rectification of Wills' 'disclaimer of Gifts' 'cy Près Schemes' 'charitable Purpose' 'appointment of Trustees']
['wills and Estates' 'charitable Trusts' 'probate'] ['rectification of Wills' 'disclaimer of Gifts' 'cy Près Schemes' 'charitable Purpose' 'appointment of Trustees']

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 1 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Procedural Posture

Will/probate Rectification and Administration / Principal Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 ["Should the will of Mona Alexis Fox be rectified to substitute 'Art Gallery of Victoria' with 'National Gallery of Victoria'?" 'Was the gift to the National Gallery of Victoria a valid charitable gift?' "Is the National Gallery of Victoria's disclaimer of the gift effective?" 'Does the charitable gift fail due to disclaimer or non-existence of the named institution?' 'Does the will demonstrate a general charitable intention?' 'Should the administration of the gift proceed via cy-près if no suitable trustee can be identified?']

Ratio Decidendi

The will of Mona Alexis Fox is to be rectified to identify the National Gallery of Victoria as beneficiary, the gift is valid for charitable purposes, the National Gallery of Victoria's disclaimer is effective due to misapprehension of conditions, and the charitable gift does not fail—an alternate trustee should be identified, or, failing that, cy-près administration should proceed.

Court Disposition

Will rectified; gift valid for charitable purposes; disclaimer effective; alternative trustee to be sought; provision for cy-près scheme if no trustee found.

Orders

  • ["Order to rectify the will under s 29A by substituting 'Art' with 'National' in clause 3(c)." 'Declaration of validity of the gift to National Gallery of Victoria for charitable purposes.' 'Declaration that National Gallery of Victoria has disclaimed the gift.' "Direction to executors/trustees to identify a...