The unfortunate circumstances of suicide by drowning was the subject of Decision 637143 of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. This decision provides an excellent example of the interplay between estates law and family law and details the complexities of “Binding Death Benefit Nominations”.

This article will endeavour to:

• Summarise Decision 637143;
• Highlight the errors made by the deceased in his inaction regarding both his matrimonial and testamentary; and
• Highlight how family law and estate law are interconnected and can impact one another.

For guidance as to the steps you should take regarding your estate if you have recently separated from your partner, read our article here (pdf, 139kb)