Socialite Loses $14 Million Inheritance Battle: Liz Kemp’s Claims on Late Lover’s Estate Overturned in Court

by Sarah Dunn | Nov 18, 2024 | Latest News

A Recent case which has attracted significant media coverage serves as a cautionary tale for those with blended families and underscores the importance of keeping Estate Planning documents up to date when there are many potential parties involved.

In July 2023 millionaire Andrew Findlay passed away in a freak boating accident, leaving behind a $20 Million Estate. Prior to this accident, Mr Findley had been engaged in a de facto relationship with socialite Liz Kemp for 7 years until their relationship broke down in 2019 and the pair separated.

Mr Findlay had last formally updated his Estate Planning documents in 2015, leaving a significant portion of his Estate to his then partner Liz Kemp. Following his tragic passing, Kemp moved into Findlay’s home and assumed ownership of his luxury car and presumed herself the major beneficiary entitled to his estate. 

Mr Findlay’s family however, disputed her claims, taking the matter to court and arguing that Kemp was not legally entitled to any portion of the estate, as Findlay has drafted an informal will in 2019 after the breakdown of their relationship which had made no provision for her and instead distributed the Estate amongst his minor children. The family’s argument asserted that this new document had been made in light of the breakdown of the relationship between Findlay and Kemp. They relied heavily on an email Findlay had sent in 2019 which asserted his intention that this document was his Last Will and Testament.

The Court was required to consider whether this new document which had not been executed in accordance with NSW law constituted his last Will and Testament or whether the 2015 Will decide the distribution of the Estate. The months of resulting litigation and review caused great tensions between the involved parties and brought about increased anxiety regarding the financial future of Mr Findlay’s children.

The Court ultimately sided with Findlay’s family, rejecting Kemp’s claims that as the 2019 document had not been signed it could not constitute a Last Will and Testament. The Court looked to Mr Findlay’s personal circumstances and intentions with respect to the document and determined that although he had not gone about it through the appropriate channel’s, Mr Findlay had intended for this document to form his last Will and Testament.

This case has attracted significant media coverage due to the vast size of the Estate and the high-profile figures involved, however it serves as a reminder that significant changes in personal circumstances may require for Estate Planning Documents to be updated. For advice about whether it is appropriate to update your Estate Planning Documents in assistance in doing so formally, please contact our offices and we’ll be more than happy to assist.