Griffiths v German [2017] NSWSC 1392

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Griffiths v German [2017] NSWSC 1392 Hearing dates: 22 September 2017 Date of orders: 13 October 2017 Decision date: 13 October 2017 Jurisdiction: Equity - Family Provision List Before: Parker J Decision: Subpoena to deceased's solicitors allowed and subpoena to deceased's hospital set aside Catchwords: Evidence – family provision – subpoenas seeking documents concerning circumstances of execution of will – setting aside – legitimate forensic purpose – fishing expedition – privilege – claim for privilege not asserted by recipient of subpoena – entitlement to refuse to produce documents Legislation Cited: Evidence Act 1995 (Cth), s 121 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW), rr 1.9, 33.4 Cases Cited: Carbotech-Australia Pty Ltd v Yates [2008] NSWSC 1151 d'Apice v Gutkovich; Estate of Abraham (No 1) [2010] NSWSC 1336 National Employers' Mutual General Association Ltd v Waind & Hill [1978] 1 NSWLR 372 R v Manchester Crown Court; Ex parte Rogers [1999] 4 All ER 35 Singtel Optus Pty Ltd v Weston (2011) 81 NSWLR 526; [2011] NSWSC 1083 Slack v Rogan; Palffy v Rogan (2013) 85 NSWLR 253; [2013] NSWSC 522 Urquhart v Lanham [2003] NSWSC 109 Category: Procedural and other rulings Parties: Glenys Griffiths (Plaintiff/Respondent) Rosalyn German (Defendant/Applicant) Representation: Counsel: PA Tierney (Plaintiff/Respondent) D Stretton (Defendant/Applicant)