Byers v Overton Investments Pty Limited [2001] FCA 760

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Byers v Overton Investments Pty Limited [2001] FCA 760 SUCCESSION – proceedings by executors – where proceedings commenced by executor prior to the grant of probate – whether proceedings are a nullity – whether defect in the commencement of proceedings is cured upon granting of probate

Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) s 79 Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1944 (NSW) s 2 Wills, Probate and Administration Act 1898 (NSW) ss 44(1), 61 Pritchard v Pacecage Pty Ltd (1997) 72 FCR 203 referred to Ex parte the Public Trustee; re Birch (1951) 51 SR (NSW) 345 referred to In re Broughton (1902) 19 WN (NSW) 69 referred to Foy v Public Trustee (1942) 42 SR (NSW) 209 referred to Andrews v Hogan (1952) 86 CLR 223 followed Holloway v Public Trustee (1959) 59 SR (NSW) 308 referred to Re Hart [1963] NSWR 627 referred to Re Cameron; Cameron v Public Trustee [1982] WAR 55 referred to Fred Long & Son Ltd v Burgess [1950] 1 KB 115 referred to Laybutt v Amoco (Australia) Pty Ltd (1974) 132 CLR 57 referred to Norman v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (1963) 109 CLR 9 followed Bone v Commissioner of Stamp Duties (NSW) (1974) 132 CLR 38 followed The Daily Proprietary Limited v White (1946) 63 WN (NSW) 262 referred to Ex parte Callan; Re Smith [1968] 1 NSWR 443 referred to Morgan v Thomas (1853) 8 Exch 302; 155 ER 1362 referred to Baker v Blaker (1886) 55 LT 723 referred to Marshall v DG Sundin & Co Ltd (1989) 16 NSWLR 463 followed Ingall v Moran [1944] 1 KB 160 followed Darrington v Caldbeck (1990) 20 NSWLR 212 referred to Gertsch v Roberts; Estate of Gertsch (1993) 35 NSWLR 631 referred to LOWANA LEE BYERS V OVERTON INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED N 1337 of 2000 BRANSON, NORTH AND STONE JJ SYDNEY 22 JUNE 2001

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH WALES DISTRICT REGISTRY N 1337 of 2000