Family Provision Claim

Pseudonyms are used to protect the client's identity.

Rowan was seven years old when his parents divorced.  He was one of three children.

Following the separation, he recalls moving frequently as his mother pursued different work opportunities.  During this time, his parents were involved in a prolonged and difficult custody dispute, with Rowan often present at mediations.

Rowan’s relationship with his father was marked by instability and abuse.  The deceased struggled with alcoholism and gambling, drinking daily and often becoming aggressive when intoxicated.  Much of the abuse occurred during these periods.  Rowan recalls being verbally and physically assaulted, including one incident where he was locked in a hotel room, knocked to the ground and stomped on.

If Rowan’s mother witnessed any of the abuse, she intervened and removed him from the situation.  However, the conflict intensified during the shared custody arrangements.  Eventually, Rowan and his brother chose to live permanently with their mother.

Rowan left school early due to behavioural issues, which he attributes in part to the trauma he experienced growing up.

Years later, when Rowan’s grandfather passed away, the family reunited for the funeral.  It was the first time Rowan had seen his father in approximately eight years.  Their interaction was civil.  At the wake, Rowan’s uncle offered him full-time employment at a company where Rowan’s father was also a director.   Rowan accepted the role and began seeing his father daily at work.  While their relationship improved to some extent, the past was never discussed.  His father’s alcoholism remained an ongoing issue.

After about a year, Rowan left Sydney following a workplace conflict.  The last time he spoke to his father was in 2013.  His father passed away in 2023.  Rowan was informed shortly before his father’s death that he was unwell, but he did not arrive in time to see him.  He attended the funeral.