Fleming v Beevers

Fleming v Beevers [1994] 1 NZLR 385 is a cited case in New Zealand law regarding the doctrine of part performance.

Background
Fleeming and Beevers were in a de facto relationship for over 20 years. In 1989, the couple purchased a house in Queenstown, with Beevers financing his half by cashing in his superannuation policy, and Fleeming borrowing the money for her half, which needed a guarantee from Beevers to secure the loan.

During the conveyancing process, both parties promised to leave their share in the house to the other partner in their will.

Beevers died a few months after buying the house and without drafting a new will. Without a new will, his share of the house would have been disposed under his last will, which left everything to his three children from his previous marriage, with nothing left to Fleeming.

Fleeming sued the estate for Beevers' half share in the house, as well as for a piano that he had promised to leave her.

Held
The court awarded Fleming the share in the house, but not the piano.