Principles of Australian Succession Law, 5th edition

Principles of Australian Succession Law explains the rules governing wills, intestacy, family provision, probate and estate administration in an accessible, systematic way. From testamentary capacity and formal requirements to the construction of wills and the responsibilities of personal representatives, it brings the principal topics together in a single text. Building on the text originally authored by Ken Mackie, the fifth edition has been prepared by Elise Histed, David Osz and Sylvia Villios and includes updates addressing South Australia’s succession law reforms, which commenced on 1 January 2025. These reforms affect the making of wills, family provision claims and estate administration, including the powers and accountability of executors and administrators.

Designed for law students and practitioners seeking to refresh their knowledge, the book provides a foundation for analysing succession problems and locating issues that require closer investigation. It supports readers in understanding the relationship between testamentary intentions, beneficiaries’ interests and the administration of deceased estates, helping them approach study and practice with greater confidence.

Principles of Australian Succession Law explains the rules governing wills, intestacy, family provision, probate and estate administration in an accessible, systematic way. From testamentary capacity and formal requirements to the construction of wills and the responsibilities of personal representatives, it brings the principal topics together in a single text. Building on the text originally authored by Ken Mackie, the fifth edition has been prepared by Elise Histed, David Osz and Sylvia Villios and includes updates addressing South Australia’s succession law reforms, which commenced on 1 January 2025. These reforms affect the making of wills, family provision claims and estate administration, including the powers and accountability of executors and administrators.

Designed for law students and practitioners seeking to refresh their knowledge, the book provides a foundation for analysing succession problems and locating issues that require closer investigation. It supports readers in understanding the relationship between testamentary intentions, beneficiaries’ interests and the administration of deceased estates, helping them approach study and practice with greater confidence.

Features

• Updated coverage of South Australia’s succession law reforms helps readers understand changes affecting wills, family provision and estate administration

• Accessible, systematic explanations bring wills, intestacy, family provision, probate and estate administration together, helping readers connect the principal areas of succession law

• Dedicated coverage of testamentary capacity, statutory wills and formal requirements helps readers identify issues affecting the making and validity of wills

• Detailed treatment of executors’ and administrators’ duties, powers and liabilities helps readers understand estate administration and personal representatives’ accountability

• Clear analysis of testamentary intentions, beneficiaries’ interests and estate administration supports students tackling succession problems and practitioners refreshing their knowledge

Related Titles

• Dal Pont, Interpretation of Testamentary Documents, 2nd edition

• De Groot and Nickel, Family Provision in Australia, 7th edition

• Hockley, Construction of Wills in Australia, 2nd edition