From www.dbalawyers.com.au: The Federal Court case Lynn v Australian Financial Complaints Authority involved a dispute over the allocation of superannuation death benefits following the death of Richard Lynn, who had a non-binding death benefit nomination in place for his estranged wife and children.

AFCA determined that the benefits should be split, awarding 50% to his wife and 50% to his six children, a decision upheld by the court, which affirmed AFCA’s assessment of the wife’s limited financial dependency.

This case emphasises the importance of clear succession planning and binding death benefit nominations for superannuation funds, particularly in complex family situations.