The 1997 amendment to s 40A of the Succession Act 1981 (Qld) widening the definition of 'stepchild' operates prospectively only and does not apply to estates where the testator died before 20 June 1997. For deaths before that date, the relationship of stepchild and step-parent ceases upon the death of the natural parent, as established in Re Burt, Re Marstella and Re Monckton. The phrase 'to remove any doubt, it is declared' in legislation is not determinative of retrospective effect.
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