WA heiress tells of tough estate battle

Olivia Mead challenged her late billionaire father's will and won, but says she isn't sure she would do it again.

The working-class teenager who took on one of Australia's wealthiest families and won isn't sure she would challenge her late father's will if she had her time over.

But Olivia Mead is certain that she will not change after whatever inheritance she eventually wins.

Ms Mead is the daughter of WA iron ore mining heir Michael Wright and Elizabeth Anne Mead.

Mr Wright started a relationship with Elizabeth after divorcing three earlier wives.

Olivia is the youngest of Mr Wright's four children but she had a difficult relationship with her father, who was frequently absent and gave little support for her single mother before his death in 2012.

She had not met older siblings Leonie Baldock, Alexandra Burt and Myles Wright prior to his death.

Olivia challenged her father's will because her $3 million trust fund had onerous conditions and could not be accessed until she was the age of 30.

She sought an immediate $12 million share of her father's estate, estimated at more than $1 billion, but in February the WA Supreme Court instead awarded her $25 million, the largest such payout in Australian legal history.

Olivia told the Seven Network's Sunday Night program there had been many personal hurdles during her long legal battle.

While she is ready to contest the appeal, she said she's unsure if she would go through the initial legal battle again.

"It's a lot to take in," she said. "It's draining. I'm tired. It's hard."

She said her boyfriend, best friend, family and music had helped her remain calm and grounded in the face of the legal battle, which continues as Mr Wright's estate appeals the decision.

She said she would stay grounded no matter what the appeal delivered.

"I don't think it will change me," she said.

"I have a set of morals and I know what they are.

"I know who I am as a person, and I think no matter what people say about me, I know who I am. It will not change me."


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Source: AAP


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