Reitano v Reitano [2012] NSWSC 1127

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Reitano v Reitano [2012] NSWSC 1127 Hearing dates: 11, 13 and 14 September 2012 Decision date: 17 September 2012 Jurisdiction: Equity Division - Expedition List Before: Pembroke J Decision: See paragraph [39] Catchwords: CONTRACT - oral contract - evidence of contract - subsequent conduct admissible to prove existence of contract TRUSTS AND TRUSTEES - oral declaration of trust - subsequent conduct admissible to prove existence of trust CONTRACT - intention - contracts between family members - no presumption against intention - seriousness and finality of circumstances EQUITY - part performance - answer to reliance on Sections 54A and 23C of the Conveyancing Act - conduct must be unequivocally referable to contract of general nature of that alleged - multiple acts of part performance unequivocally referable - sole possession and exclusive control for 25 years - no alternative agreement alleged Legislation Cited: Conveyancing Act 1919 Cases Cited: Brambles Holdings Limited v Bathurst City Council [2001] NSWCA 61 Byrnes v Kendle [2011] HCA 26; (2011) 243 CLR 253 Chidiac v Maatouk [2010] NSWSC 386 Ermogenous v Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc [2002] HCA 8; (2002) 209 CLR 95 Khoury v Khouri [2006] NSWCA 184 Kriketos v Livschitz [2009] NSWCA 96 Lighting By Design (Aust) Pty Ltd v Cannington Nominees Pty Ltd [2008] WASCA 23 Millett v Regent (1975) 1 NSWLR 62 Regent v Millett [1976] HCA 40; (1976) 133 CLR 679 Tadrous v Tadrous [2010] NSWSC 1388 Thomas v SMP (International) Pty Ltd [2010] NSWSC 822 Waltons Stores (Interstate) Ltd v Maher [1988] HCA 7; (1988) 164 CLR 387 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Alfred Reitano - plaintiff Grace Reitano - first defendant Jose Perez - second defendant Representation: Counsel: B A Coles SC with M K Rollinson - for the plaintiff P M Lane - for the first defendant Solicitors: Di Lizio & Associates - for the plaintiff Perez Varela Lawyers - for the first defendant File Number(s): 2012/122064