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Published byMadalynn Hardey Modified over 9 years ago
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Tim McGrath, Partner Melanie Husband, Senior Associate 24 July 2014 Miller Harris in Business
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Looking below the surface: home ownership Miller Harris in Business Constructive trusts Resulting trusts Exoneration Equitable accounting Occupation rent Bankruptcy Act
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The bankrupt co-owner Trustee becomes owner of bankrupt’s share 1. Trustee seeks to sell to spouse or consent to sell whole property 2. Spouse buys bankrupt’s share; or trustee sells whole 3. Miller Harris in Business
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Case study Valuation $200,000 Equity $100,000Mortgage$100,000 Miller Harris in Business Bankrupt $50,000 Spouse $50,000
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Exceptions Trust property Constructive trust Resulting trust Miller Harris in Business
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Resulting trusts Miller Harris in Business
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Constructive trusts Miller Harris in Business Remedial in nature; what is required to do justice between the parties? Muschinski v Dodds Calverley v Green
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1. Joint property except his interest greater because: She paidHe paid ½ mortgage $9,000 deposit ½ mortgage Miller Harris in Business
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2. Joint property except trust over his undeserved equity She paidHe paid Other $ $20,000 purchase price Other $ Miller Harris in Business
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Here is how the trust worked: Her $ contribution His $ contribution His ½ share property Her ½ share property He must account to her for this He retains this equity She retains this equity Miller Harris in Business
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Exoneration? Miller Harris in Business
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Exoneration Charge over jointly owned property for 3rd party creditor Charge to benefit not all co ‑ owners Fund is so applied
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Farrugia: trustee’s claim Miller Harris in Business Item Sum Sale price$41,000 Less “acquisition” finance($12,500) Sub ‑ total $28,500 Less “business” finance($10,500) Net proceeds$18,000 BANKRUPT’S ESTATE$9,000 WIFE’S SHARE$9,000
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Mrs Farrugia’s figures Miller Harris in Business Item Sum Sale price$41,000 Less “acquisition” finance($12,500) Sub ‑ total $28,500 Bankrupt’s share$14,250 Less “business” finance($10,500) BANKRUPT’S ESTATE$3,750 WIFE’S SHARE$14,250
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Shortfall scenario Miller Harris in Business Item Sum Sale price$30,000 Less “acquisition” finance($12,500) Sub ‑ total $17,500 Bankrupt’s share$8,750 Less “business” finance($8,750) BANKRUPT’S ESTATENIL Wife’s interest$8,750 Less “business” finance($1,750) WIFE’S SHARE$7,000
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What could possibly go wrong? Miller Harris in Business Equitable accounting Occupation rent
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Div 4A Bankruptcy Act Elements for a claw back Personal services Bankrupt controlled entity Inadequate remuneration Bankrupt’s services acquisition Bankrupt derived benefit Respondent’s estate continues Miller Harris in Business
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Claw back provisions 2 years – ‘others’ 4 years – related parties Or up to 5 years… Miller Harris in Business
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Birdseye v Sheahan Miller Harris in Business
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Div 4B Bankruptcy Act Miller Harris in Business The Edelsten factor; income diverted from the bankrupt to a third party
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What about the PPSA? Miller Harris in Business No application to land No application to equitable interests No application to Bankruptcy Act recovery
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What does it all mean? Tim McGrath Partner Melanie Husband Senior Associate Miller Harris in Business
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