The legal dispute over the estate of late South Australian matriarch Florence Gemenis Polites has taken a new turn, with her twin grandsons Marcus and Alex Polites joining the battle to challenge her 1999 will.
The twins, property developers based in Queensland, revealed their intent to contest the multimillion-dollar estate before a new law changes this week, despite previously claiming they had no plans to do so.
The dispute centres on the will of Florence Polites, who passed away at 102 in March. Her grandson, Markas Salkanovic, 54, is already involved in a bitter Supreme Court case seeking a larger share of the estate, which includes significant assets such as shares in the family’s property empire.
Salkanovic, a convicted attempted drug importer, has been estranged from parts of his family and faces accusations of causing family strife.
The court learned that Marcus and Alex, the sons of property tycoon George Polites, had instructed lawyers to file a claim, with the twins stating that “circumstances have changed.” However, it is unclear what they seek from the estate under the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act.
The estate, which has not yet been granted probate, reportedly has assets worth at least $1.5 million, but also faces debts exceeding $4.4 million.
The ongoing dispute also involves George, who is challenging the appointment of estate administrator Sarah Hooper, arguing the process lacks transparency and could expose confidential family business details.
A hearing next month will determine whether the temporary suspension of Hooper’s powers will be extended.
Source: The Advertiser.
