Polites Estate Battle Heats Up as Twin Grandsons Enter the Fray

The already complex legal battle over the estate of South Australian matriarch Florence Gemenis Polites has intensified with the addition of twin grandsons, Marcus and Alex Polites. The Queensland-based property developers have joined the challenge against her 1999 will, reversing their previous stance of non-involvement just before a new law takes effect this week.

This latest development adds another layer to the existing Supreme Court case brought by another grandson, Markas Salkanovic, 54. Salkanovic, who has a prior conviction for attempted drug importation and a history of estrangement from some family members, is seeking a larger share of the multimillion-dollar estate. The estate includes substantial assets, notably shares in the family’s property empire.

Marcus and Alex Polites, sons of property tycoon George Polites, have now instructed lawyers to file their own claim, citing unspecified “changed circumstances.” Their specific demands under the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act remain unclear.

The estate, which has yet to receive probate, is reportedly valued at a minimum of $1.5 million in assets but also has debts exceeding $4.4 million.

Further complicating matters, George Polites is separately challenging the appointment of estate administrator Sarah Hooper. He alleges a lack of transparency in the process and expresses concerns about potential exposure of confidential family business information. A hearing next month will decide whether to extend the temporary suspension of Hooper’s powers.

Source: The Advertiser