A years-old document relating to the $1.9 million estate of famed Australian author Colleen McCullough has surfaced just days before a costly court trial was due to start.
Dr McCullough's widower Ric Robinson is accused of "unduly influencing" the late novelist to make a will in "suspicious circumstances" that left her entire estate to him 12 days before her death in late January 2015.
The will, dated January 17, effectively revoked an earlier bequest to the University of Oklahoma Foundation.
Executor Selwa Anthony alleges Mr Robinson took advantage of his wife's poor health, isolation, fatigue and dependence "to dominate, overbear and overburden her", according to court documents.
In his defence, Mr Robinson - who married Dr McCullough in 1984 - said the document was his wife's last will and he is the rightful sole beneficiary of the estate.
A hearing over the dispute was adjourned on Tuesday after the NSW Supreme Court heard a letter from October 2014 had come to light.
The letter, from a lawyer to Dr McCullough, purportedly refers to Mr Robinson as a beneficiary, the court heard.
Ms Anthony's barrister, Kim Morrissey, said another lawyer had been given the letter in a file but hadn't seen it until the weekend.
Mr Robinson's lawyers have filed an amended defence and Mr Morrissey asked for time to file an amended reply and potentially an amended statement of claim.
Justice Nigel Rein adjourned the hearing until Wednesday.
Australian Associated Press
