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{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6612;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI (AT SUVA)}{\author Amelia Rasovo}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2004\mo8\dy30\hr9\min53}{\revtim\yr2004\mo8\dy31\hr8\min45}{\version3}{\edmins1}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords843}
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\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 (AT SUVA)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 IN PROBATE:
\par CAVEAT NO. 13 OF 2001
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 NANISE TUIBUA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 UMA WATI}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
 (d/o Raj Gopal)
\par As Executrix and Trustee of the
\par Estate of }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 MANOA TUIBUA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048  Deceased
\par Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par K Bulewa for the Plaintiff
\par S. Parshotam for the Defendant
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par Manoa Tuibua died in April 2001.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 He left a will.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 He appointed the Defendant as the sole executrix, trustee and beneficiary.
\par 
\par The Defendant sought probate in May 2001 however a caveat was lodged against the grant by the Plaintiff 3 days later.
\par 
\par In July 2001 the Defendant sought removal of the caveat.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 In August 2001 the Plaintiff filed an affidavit in answer.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 On
 18 September 2001 the Plaintiff also filed an Originating Summons seeking provision for herself under Section 3 of the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act (Cap 61-the Act).
\par 
\par The Plaintiff is seeking payment of all arrears of maintenance due to her and 50% of the net value of the estate.
\par 
\par It is not disputed that the Plaintiff was married to Manoa Tuibua in 1981 and that they separated in 1985.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
There were no children of the marriage.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 After the separation Manoa Tuibua began living with the Defendant.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 According to the Defendant\rquote s affidavit filed in June 2001 she and Manoa underwent a traditional marriage in Labasa in 1987.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 There are two children of this union namely Anthony aged 12 and Angelyn aged 10.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 They live with their mother.
\par 
\par After the separation the Plaintiff began maintenance proceedings in the Nausori Magistrates\rquote  Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
According to her affidavit she was initially awarded $15 per week however that sum was later reduced to $10 per week.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
Apparently Manoa Tuibua fell into arrears.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Although no certificate was obtained from the Nausori Magistrates\rquote 
 Court the Plaintiff states that at the time of his death she was owed at least 5 years of maintenance arrears, in other words approximately $2,500.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par 
\par In 1988 the Plaintiff emigrated to Australia where she now permanently resides.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
She is 63 years old and works as a nursing assistant earning $500 per week.
\par 
\par On 28 November 2001 Mr. Bulewa consented to probate being granted to the Plaintiff subject to her claim being noted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
Removal of the caveat was also consented to.
\par 
\par On 9 August 2002 the Defendant filed an affidavit of means.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 The estate\rquote s principal assets a
re a house at Waiyavi Lautoka worth approximately $25,000 in which the Defendant and her two children are living, a motor car worth about $4,000 and $18,000 in the bank.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 The Defendant does not work although she raises chickens and sells eggs and chickens earning about $20 each week.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 She receives no welfare assistance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
She has debts of nearly $6,000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
She has electricity and telephone expenses of about $45 per month while groceries account for about another $250 per month.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
The children\rquote s school fees and other expenses come to about $120 per month.
\par 
\par In exercising the jurisdiction given to it by the Act the High Court places itself in the position of the deceased and considers what he should have done in all the circumstances foreseeable at the time of his death (see }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Re Allen, Allen v. Manchester}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048  [1922] NZLR 218, 220; }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Re Howell, Howell v. Lloyds Bank Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048  [1953] 2 All ER 604).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Moral as well as legal obligations have to be taken into account and the financial resources of the estate are highly relevant.
\par 
\par In the present case the Plaintiff is a single person living in a modern welfare state.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
The Defendant on the other hand has two quite young children still to bring up and receives no outside assistance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
I think it likely that the arrears of maintenance (only $520 per annum) were allowed to accumulate because the Plaintiff did not think that they were worth pursuing after leaving for Australia in 1988.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 The effect of awarding the Plaintiff the arrears of maintenance would be significantly detrimental to the Defendant and her family.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 While the payment of $2,500 would be welcomed by the Plaintiff it would not have a major impact on her circumstances.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Similar considerations apply to the house.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
It is not clear when this house was purchased and whether it was ever the Plaintiff\rquote s matrimonial home.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
Its sale would deprive the Defendant and the children of a roof over their heads.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
It is not clear whether the Plaintiff is living in at her place of work but the payment to her of one half of the expected proceeds of sale of the house would not, in my estimation, significantly improve her situation.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par 
\par Although the Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Doyle v. Doyle & Anr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
 (ABU 1/97) held that arrears of maintenance ordered following divorce could, with the leave of the Court, be enforced against a deceased\rquote 
s estate there is authority that arrears of maintenance payable under the Maintenance and Affiliation Act (Cap 52) do not survive death (see }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
Re Bidie, Bidie v. General Accident First & Life Assurance Corporation Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048  [1949] Ch 121; [1948] 2 All ER 995).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Certainly the enforcement provisions in the Maintenance and Affiliation Act appear to be at variation with any suggestion that maintenance under that Act can survive death.
\par 
\par Strict legal considerations part, I have concluded after looking at the circumstances of the Plaintiff and the Defendant in the round that a variation of the terms of Manoa Tuibua\rquote s will would not be justified (see }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 Re Joslin, Joslin v. Murch}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048  [1941] Ch 2000; [1941] 1 All ER 302).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 While I have some sympathy wit
h the Plaintiff and there is no reason to doubt the assertion that she was treated badly by her husband, to penalise the Defendant and her two children for the shortcomings of Manoa Tuibua\rquote s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 behaviour would not in my view be right either.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 The application
 for provision}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1246048  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 fails and is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 M.D. Scott
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1246048 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid938902\charrsid1246048 
\par 24 September 2002
\par }}