Wills and Probate - Overview of Contentious and Non-Contentious Proceedings

Understanding the probate regime in Hong Kong can be very complicated. How are specific legacies bequeathed validly by will? When to challenge a will? How do we deal with intestacy? In this course, we will look the fundamental drafting of a will and what are the steps after the death of the deceased. We will then discuss what are the rights and duties of the executors and administrators. In addition, we will discuss what are the rights of the beneficiaries, namely to call for a perfected account and inventory. We will then look at specific topic relating to probate and land.

• Drafting – essential elements – Wills Ordinance / Legacies
• Trusts
• Applying for grant of probate and letters of administration
• Challenging the will or appointment of administrator – Caveat and probate proceedings
• Rights of the executor and administrators
• Rights of the beneficiary – Perfected Accounts and Inventory
• Issues relating to land