A shocking family feud has erupted in Sydney’s ritzy Cremorne suburb, where two sisters are battling over their late mum’s $4 million estate. What should’ve been a straightforward inheritance has turned into a legal nightmare, with one sister arrested after refusing to leave the family home. Here’s the full yarn on this messy dispute. A Legacy Turns Sour It all started when their mum passed away in 2021 at the age of 93, leaving behind a hefty estate valued at $4.2 million. The bulk of it was a stunning $3.9 million home in Cremorne, a posh spot on Sydney’s lower north shore. After a small donation to charity, the estate was meant to be split evenly between the two daughters. Probate was granted in 2022, paving the way for the division. But things didn’t go to plan. One sister, who’d been living in the Cremorne house, refused to budge. Her refusal stalled the sale of the property for years, leaving the other sister unable to access her rightful share. What began as a simple inheritance turned into a bitter standoff, tearing the family apart and dragging them into a costly legal battle. Legal Drama and an Arrest Tensions boiled over in December 2024 when the dispute landed in the NSW Supreme Court. Civil proceedings were launched to take possession of the house and force its sale. The sister living there was ordered to appear in court on 7 February 2025, but she didn’t show up. Justice Michael Slattery wasn’t having it—he issued an arrest warrant, and she was nabbed later that month. After her arrest, the sister finally appeared in court and agreed to pack up and leave by 4 April 2025. This allowed the estate’s administrators to take possession and get the sale moving. Justice Slattery didn’t mince words, calling her actions “unacceptable” and pointing out that the delay had completely paralysed the estate’s administration. It was a rare escalation, with legal experts noting that few cases ever reach the point of arrest. The Financial and Emotional Toll This feud hasn’t just strained family ties—it’s come with a hefty price tag. Legal costs have racked up to the low tens of thousands, taking a bite out of the estate’s value and leaving less for both sisters to inherit. On top of the financial hit, the emotional fallout has been immense. As Professor Prue Vines from UNSW puts it, “Money often brings out the worst in family settings.” This case is a stark example of how greed and stubbornness can turn a legacy into a battlefield. Adrian Corbould, a legal expert from Turnbull Hill Lawyers, says he sees about three or four cases like this each year, but few escalate to arrests. “It’s rare, but it shows how quickly things can spiral out of control,” he notes. Meanwhile, stats from the NSW Supreme Court show a rise in contested probate cases—418 in 2023, up from 310 in 2019—suggesting more families are facing similar dramas. A Cautionary Tale The Cremorne saga is a grim reminder of what can go wrong when estate planning isn’t clear or communication breaks down. A fortune meant to secure a family’s future has instead driven a wedge between these sisters, costing them dearly in both money and relationships. Experts agree: getting legal advice early and setting out clear plans can save a lot of heartache down the track. If you’re dealing with an estate or inheritance, don’t let it turn into a battleground. Follow us on X at @ElymentGroup or visit elyment.com.au for more tips on avoiding disputes like this one. #InheritanceDispute