Fred Smith

Principal  |  Wills and Estates

Brisbane

(07) 3231 0631

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Fred is a results-driven lawyer who exercises a proactive and practical approach to all his cases. 

Fred is a Principal within the firm's Wills and Estates team, working exclusively in his field for the last 17 years. His focus areas include personal estate planning for persons with and without capacity and advising executors, trustees and beneficiaries on trust and estate administration. He also deals with contentious estates, estate litigation and QCAT matters by advising attorneys and recovering property.

Fred's practice assists private clients, small to medium-sized businesses, not for profit organisations and trustee companies (based in Queensland and nationally). He is recognised for his results-driven and practical approach to addressing complex and sensitive matters for his clients.

Fred acts as a litigation guardian for people without the capacity to act personally and accepts court appointments to act as an independent administrator.

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CAREER highlights

Key Specialisations

Qualifications

  • Bachelor Of International Business, Griffith University
  • Bachelor Of Laws (Honours), Griffith University
  • Diploma Of Export Management, Australian Institute Of Export

Awards and recognition

  • Best Lawyers 2020 | Trusts and Estates
  • Best Lawyers 2020 | Wealth Management/Succession Management Practice
  • Doyles Guide 2020 |  Recommended Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers
  • Doyles Guide 2020 |  Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers
  • Doyles Guide 2020 | Preeminent Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyers
  • Doyles Guide 2019 |  Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers
  • Doyles Guide 2018 |  Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers

community involvement

  • Pro Bono Provider, Cancer Council Queensland
  • Member, Society Of Trust And Estate Practitioners
  • Member, Queensland Law Society

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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

Ex Daughter-In-Law Awarded Nearly ¼ Of Family Farm And Businesses

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Get in touch with Fred Smith today

Brisbane

(07) 3231 0631