Smith & Another v Julia Esther Feris & Others (HC-MD-CIV-MOT-GEN 182 of 2020) [2021] NAHCMD 203 (5 May 2021)

Smith & Another v Julia Esther Feris & Others (HC-MD-CIV-MOT-GEN 182 of 2020) [2021] NAHCMD 203 (5 May 2021)

The applicants lack locus standi as they are not beneficiaries or heirs under the will, and the failure to join Rachel Smith, who has a direct and substantial interest, is fatal to the application.

Citation
[2021] NAHCMD 203
Parties
Applicant: Charles Richard Smith; Applicant: Riaan Martin Smith; Respondent: Julia Esther Feris; Respondent: Ralph Bazil Strauss; Respondent: Master of the High Court
Court
High Court Main Division
Jurisdiction
Namibia
Judgment Date
5 May 2021
Case Number
HC-MD-CIV-MOT-GEN 182 of 2020
Procedural Posture
Motion / Judgment
Outcome
application dismissed
Legal Topics
Locus Standi, Non Joinder, Testamentary Trust, Will Validity
Source Language
English

Case Brief

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Parties

Charles Richard Smith

Applicant

Riaan Martin Smith

Applicant

Julia Esther Feris

Respondent

Ralph Bazil Strauss

Respondent

Master of the High Court

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Motion / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the applicants have locus standi to bring the application
  2. 2 Whether the non-joinder of Rachel Smith is fatal to the proceedings

Ratio Decidendi

The applicants lack locus standi as they are not beneficiaries or heirs under the will, and the failure to join Rachel Smith, who has a direct and substantial interest, is fatal to the application.

Court Disposition

application dismissed

Orders

  • The application is dismissed.
  • The applicants are ordered jointly and severally to pay the costs of the first respondent, including costs of one instructing and one instructed counsel where employed.