Fred is a results-driven lawyer who exercises a proactive and practical approach to all his cases.
Fred Smith is a Principal at McInnes Wilson Lawyers with over 20 years of exclusive experience in the field of Wills and Estates.
With a focus on personal estate planning for individuals of varying capacities, Fred advises executors, trustees, and beneficiaries on trust and estate administration. His practice extends to handling contentious estates, estate litigation, QCAT matters, providing guidance to attorneys and facilitating property recovery.
As a key member of the firm's Private Client team, Fred is known for his results-driven and pragmatic approach to resolving intricate and sensitive client issues. He collaborates closely with accountants, lawyers, and financial advisors, to assist his clients in streamlining their affairs effectively.
Since 2016, Fred has been recognised in Doyles Guide as a Preeminent Wills and Estate Litigation Lawyer and Succession Planning Lawyer in Queensland and Australia.
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CAREER highlights
Key Specialisations
Qualifications
Awards and recognition
community involvement
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Client Solutions
Private Client
Estate Litigation
Client problem
Sibling executors were unable to agree on how to administer their late father's estate.
outcome achieved
Fred was appointed by the Supreme Court to act as the independent administrator of the estate. As administrator, Fred acted to resolve differences and reduce further delay and legal costs associated with the estate litigation. He was then able to negotiate final distributions and complete the administration of the estate.
Private Client
Elder Abuse
Client problem
A daughter was accused of taking money from her elderly mother and not acting appropriately as her attorney.
outcome achieved
Fred investigated the allegations of impropriety and undue influence and responded to investigations by the Public Guardian, ultimately successfully defending the allegations of his client, the daughter, before QCAT.
Private Client
Testamentary capacity
Client problem
Fred's client's nephew needed a will to avoid intestacy rules (statutory distribution of wealth after death).
The nephew had no existing will as he sustained an acquired brain injury from a motor vehicle accident in his early teens. He received a multi-million dollar compensation payment that would be divided equally between his parents if he died without a will.
The problem was was that his biological parents had given up caring for him shortly after the accident, and Fred's client, his Aunt and Uncle, had been caring for him for more than 12 years.
outcome achieved
Fred successfully applied for the court to make a will for the nephew. The court accepted the application, and a will was made for the nephew that the court considered he would make if he were able.
"Fred Smith is a professional and a leader in his industry, I would highly recommend him and the firm"
DAVID COTTON
Fred Smith's INSIGHTS
Wills and Estates
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