A significant legal investigation has been initiated into the final will of philanthropist Marisa Luisa Iovenitti, who passed away in January 2025. The case centres on substantial alterations made to her estate planning just days before her death, which redirected half of her $3.5 million fortune away from long-standing beneficiaries to her hairdresser and a relative of her deceased husband.
The Disputed Estate Changes
Marisa Luisa Iovenitti, aged 70, died on January 22, 2025, following a brief battle with cancer. She had no children, and her husband of four decades, Professor Pio Iovenitti, had predeceased her in 2020. In a will dated April 8, 2021, she had designated her entire multi-million dollar estate to her godson, Jonn 'Jack' Fowles, and his mother Joan, who had been Ms Iovenitti's close friend for fifty-eight years.
However, on January 7, 2025, merely a fortnight before her passing, a new will was executed that completely excluded the Fowles family from any inheritance. Instead, the document named Professor Iovenitti's cousin, Nella Lucantonio, and Ms Iovenitti's friend and South Yarra hairdresser, Emmanuel Mekhael (also known as Emmanuel Ammo), as both co-executors and primary beneficiaries of the substantial estate.
Legal Challenge and Court Proceedings
Following Ms Iovenitti's death, the Fowles family formally objected to the granting of probate for the 2025 will, leading to a hearing in the Supreme Court of Victoria. The court was presented with conflicting accounts regarding Ms Iovenitti's relationships and mental state in her final days.
The solicitor who facilitated the will change noted on the day it was signed that Ms Iovenitti had "not had a relationship with Joan or Jack Fowles for quite some time." Conversely, the Fowles family maintained they had enjoyed a "long-standing relationship" with the philanthropist and argued that she held "false beliefs" about them at the time the will was altered.
Specific allegations presented in court included claims that Ms Iovenitti believed the Fowles had misused a power of attorney, that she had no ongoing relationship with them, and that they had failed to contact her during the Christmas period. The Fowles contended these beliefs were inaccurate and potentially induced by Mr Mekhael and Ms Lucantonio, who had been granted power of attorney and control over Ms Iovenitti's communications.
Suspicious Circumstances Alleged
The court heard further troubling allegations regarding the circumstances surrounding the will change. The Fowles family testified to a "degree of hostility" from Mr Mekhael towards them and claimed that while he controlled Ms Iovenitti's phone, he had deleted messages from Jack Fowles to the deceased.
They described "suspicious" circumstances, alleging that Mr Mekhael and his partner "engaged in conduct suggesting they were seeking to take advantage of Ms Iovenitti... inducing her to confer substantial benefits on them." Notably, Mr Mekhael did not provide any evidence in response to these specific allegations during the proceedings.
It also remained unexplained why, during the period when power of attorney was exercised by the new beneficiaries, Jack Fowles was allegedly prevented from visiting Ms Iovenitti.
Court's Decision and Next Steps
On March 13, Associate Justice Matthew Barrett ruled that the Fowles family had successfully demonstrated grounds for a comprehensive investigation. He expressed satisfaction that there was a case warranting full examination, leading to the scheduling of a further hearing, though a specific date has not yet been set.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Mr Mekhael and Ms Lucantonio for comment, while the legal representative for the Fowles family has declined to provide additional statements at this stage.
Legacy and Tributes
Beyond the legal dispute, Marisa Iovenitti is remembered for her philanthropic contributions and personal relationships. Following her husband's death, she established a $10,000 engineering excellence scholarship for Masters students at Swinburne University of Technology, honouring Professor Iovenitti's thirty-year tenure at the institution. She maintained regular contact with scholarship recipients, according to Swinburne's Associate Director of Philanthropy, Katherine Goldman.
A tribute website created in her honour features heartfelt messages from both the Fowles family and Mr Mekhael. The Fowles described her as "Skooze," a cherished friend and honorary family member, highlighting her Italian heritage and generous nature. Mr Mekhael, who befriended Ms Iovenitti at his salon in 2021 and even lived with her temporarily, wrote emotionally about the challenges she faced and the "fun and beautiful memories" they shared.
As the legal process unfolds, the case underscores complex issues surrounding testamentary capacity, influence in estate planning, and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals' final wishes.
