The rules of intestate succession in Australia and New Zealand have their origins in English law as a result of colonization. This article considers the historical development of intestate succession in Australia and New Zealand. The authors discuss the major differences between the colonization...

Australia and New Zealand have some similarities in their succession law, including high rates of testation. Yet will-substitutes are used widely in both countries. These include joint tenancies, trusts and life insurance. The joint tenancy is an extremely important will substitute as it...