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You may refrain from committing acts which may lead the Court to consider you unsuitable for appointment as an executor. There are few limitations in relation to the choice of an executor. The designated executor always has the option to renounce. You can appoint a friend to be the executor, but there are generally a few requirements applicable for an individual to be appointed an executor. For instance, false representation was made to the testator and relied by the testator to execute the will, clauses were inserted in the will before it is signed without the testator’s knowledge. Where the testator executed a will that he did not know or approve because of one’s deceptive behaviour, the Court may find that the will was forzabet invalid on the ground of fraud. However, those who allege must prove and the Court requires evidence of such undue influence or coercion, rather than speculation of what the testator had or had not done or should or should not do.

Book traversal links for The estate agents' services (with an overview of the sale and purchase procedures)

You should apply to the Official Administrator for the exercise of his power to get in and administer the estate. A testator may contact the in-house lawyer of the NGO and inquire if the NGO is willing to act as an executor. Therefore, a testator may ask the proposed executor in advance to see whether he or she is willing to act. (b) a firm (The appointment will typically be considered valid for those individuals who were partners in the firm at the time the will was executed, rather than at the time of the testator's death.). The Court generally views that an insolvent person is less desirable to be appointed an executor. The applicable ground is that a grant had been obtained by a false or incorrect statement because a will has been discovered after a grant of administration. A citation is used to force some action or step in relation to the taking of the grant to the estate.

Payment of Debts and Funeral Expenses

• If the spouse is given an absolute gift, it may be subject to a survivorship clause, which requires the spouse to live longer than the testator by a specified period before they are eligible to receive the gift.
• Therefore, it is worth knowing more about the services provided by estate agents.
• It ranges from one to four, except where life or minority interests are involved, in which case a minimum of two individuals are required unless the grantee is a trust corporation.
• Since grants have not been made in respect of the estates of my father and mother, I must apply for them.
• For deaths before 15 th July 2005 , estate duty remains payable.
• Usually no requisition is raised about the proof of the sound mind of the testator if the will was executed before solicitors, clerks or doctors.

When the time limited for appearance has expired, if the Citee fails to appear or prosecute his application for a grant with reasonable diligence, he may apply by inter-partes summons returnable to the Registrar for an order for a grant to himself as provided by r.46(7)(a). Other substituted modes of service will only be granted if it is shown that personal service cannot be effected after reasonable attempts have been made. Rr.45 to 48 of Non-Contentious Probate Rules (Cap. 10A) provide for the procedures on the issuance and service of citations and entry of appearance by a person cited as well as the application for an order for a grant upon nonappearance. If he is entitled under r.21 of Non-Contentious Probate Rules (Cap. 10A), he must first clear off all persons entitled to a grant set out in the categories mentioned above. Without any person having a beneficial interest in the estate, a grant may be made to the Official Administrator. If the executor fails to appear or propound a will within the time limit, you may apply by motion for an order for a grant as if the will were invalid.

• In such circumstances, the entitlement will go to the residuary estate and be distributed according to the will and/or intestacy laws, as may be applicable.
• Probate shall not be granted to more than four persons.
• If the deceased dies without a Will, the distribution of the assets and who can administer the estate will be governed by the law of intestate.
• If you have doubt about the form or substance of such deed, seek legal advice.
• If he is entitled under r.21 of Non-Contentious Probate Rules (Cap. 10A), he must first clear off all persons entitled to a grant set out in the categories mentioned above.

It applies only to a deceased who is domiciled in Hong Kong or has been ordinarily resident in Hong Kong at any time in the 3 years immediately preceding his death. Absent will, the estate will be distributed by the laws of intestacy as discussed. That inventory will then be filed in the Schedule of assets and liabilities with the Probate Registry. It is for the executor named in the Will or the intended administrator to take that inventory. However, the surviving renter will be able to remove all contents of the safe deposit box without authorisation from the Home Affairs Department after 12 month from the date of death of the deceased. In general, the court makes a grant of letters of administration to the person(s) whom it considers will most effectively administer the estate. A valid receipt releases personal representatives from their duty to distribute estate. Estate Duty is charged on the total value of all properties situated in Hong Kong (including all personal assets and real estate) which "pass" (are left behind) or are deemed to pass in connection with a person's death. More likely than not, his application would either fail or succeed only to a limited extent. Being an able-bodied adult, the son’s chance of a successful application for maintenance is much lower. The deceased therefore made a will giving all his assets to his brother and his 2 nephews instead.

What are some matters to consider for gifts to various beneficiaries?

An ex parte application must be filed to rebut the presumption. Where the original will is lost, mislaid, or not available, and when an applicant is applying to admit a copy, a rebuttable presumption of revocation arises. If the will is lost, the grant made is limited until the original or a more authentic copy is proved. Where the will is lost and there are no available copies of the will, an application for an order admitting proof of other evidence of its contents can be made to the Registrar under r.53 of Non-contentious Probate Rules (Cap. 10A). In writing signed by him and attested by a solicitor or by any person before whom an affidavit may be sworn. Renounce orally on the hearing of any petition or probate action by counsel on his behalf; or

Can I write my own will without the help of lawyers?

54 of Non-Contentious Probate Rules (Cap. 10A), an application for an order for a grant of special administration under section 37 of the Ordinance where a personal representative is residing outside Hong Kong shall be made to the court on motion. A personal representative has a duty to administer the assets of the estate according to the law with due diligence. E.g. if the beneficiaries consider the personal representative having unduly initiated or defended a legal action, they may ask the court not to allow the representative to be reimbursed from the estate for the legal costs. Please also note that a death certificate is generally needed to support an application for a grant of personal representation of the estate of the deceased. Where a personal representative is residing abroad, an application can be made for a grant of special administration if no previous grant has been made. The personal representative of the deceased grantee should first apply for a ‘leading grant’ in the estate of the deceased grantee before applying for the grant de bonis non.

Is there a time limit for the distribution of the estate?

A man could have made a Will that left everything to his legitimate children with no provision for his surviving wife or illegitimate child whom he had been maintaining before his death. Even if the intention of the testator is clearly stated in the Will, it may still be challenged. Late application will not be entertained at all unless with exceptional reasons. This includes ex-spouse, lover, adult child, godchild or even parents and siblings who were so maintained before the deceased’s demise. Under r.21 of Non-Contentious Probate Rules (Cap. 10A), the persons having a beneficial interest in the estate are preferred to be granted the administration. If a personal representative of a spouse is involved, If one can prove that all persons in the preceding order are either deceased or have waived their eligibility, he or she can apply for the grant of administration. (vi) any legatee or devisee, whether residuary or specific, entitled on the happening of any contingency, or any person having no interest under the will of the deceased who would have been entitled to a grant if the deceased had died wholly intestate. If the executor fails to appear or prosecute his application for a grant within the time limit, you may apply by inter-partes summons returnable to the Registrar for the appropriate order.