Quickly Changing Hats

A comprehensive review of the issues involved with client capacity can be found in the Victorian Law Reform Commission's Final Report on Guardianship, 2012, Chapter 7 Capacity and Incapacity, <http://www.lawreform.vic.gov.au/projects/guardianship-final-report>.

Taylor Andrew , ‘Representing Clients with Diminished Capacity: Clarification of Solicitor's Authority Would Help’ (2010) 48 Law Society Journal (NSW) 56–59, <https://www.lawsociety.com.au/cs/groups/public/documents/internetcontent/460131.pdf>.

R v P [2001] NSWCA 473, [64].

Castles Margaret , ‘Australia: Client Capacity – Inadequate Rules and Unpalatable Choices’ (2013) 16 Legal Ethics 367; Taylor , above n 2.

The Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules will soon be in force in all jurisdictions. Rule 9.2.3 clarifies the ability of solicitors to disclose confidential information to get advice about their legal or ethical obligations. The rules are in force in Queensland, NSW and South Australia and will soon be in force in Victoria: <http://www.lsb.vic.gov.au/legal-profession/working-under-the-act/legal-profession-rules/>.

Goddard Elliott v Fritsch [2012] VSC 87, [562].

Goddard Elliott v Fritsch [2012] VSC 87, [549].

Pistorino v Connell [2012] VSC 438, 6, citing Goddard Elliott [568].

Pistorino (by her litigation guardian, Timothy Charles Finemore) v Connell & Ors [2013] VSC 21

Pistorino v Connell [2012] VSC 438, [19].

Pistorino v Connell [2012] VSC 438, [18]. See also, Smyth Christine , ‘Succession Law: Loss of Capacity – a growing issue for all’ (2013) The Proctor 33(9) 40–41.

R v P [2001] NSWCA 473, [64].

For a good description of the various options and legal requirements, see ‘Litigation Guardian’, <http://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/file/file/PracticeGuidelines/PG15_Litigation_Guardian_09.pdf>.

The ability to seek advice has been recently strengthened. See n 5 above.