Wills, Probate and Trusts

Legal Advice and Representation in Hong Kong

Experienced lawyers in Tanner De Witt’s Wills, Probate and Trusts practice provide contentious and non-contentious legal advice in Hong Kong to international clients. These include trustees, executors and administrators, banks and beneficiaries.

Trusts and Wills – Our Legal Services

Tanner De Witt’s lawyers advise and represent clients in all matters related to estate administration in Hong Kong. For example, many of our high net worth patrons seek our services in preparing wills involving complex and often cross-border circumstances. Our expertise is frequently sought concerning Hong Kong inheritance law and more specifically, contentious and non-contentious probate matters. Receipt of a grant of letter of representation (probate or letters of administration) is the first step in the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. It officially appoints the executor (or personal representative), generally named in the will, as having legal power to dispose of the testator’s assets in the manner specified in the testator’s will.

“MIP” Mentally Incapacitated Person Legal Services

A mentally incapacitated person refers to an individual whose mental faculties are significantly impaired, rendering them unable to make rational decisions or understand the consequences of their actions. This condition can arise from various factors, such as cognitive disabilities, mental illnesses, or the effects of an injury. Mentally incapacitated persons often lack the capacity to manage their personal affairs, make important decisions, or participate fully in legal proceedings. Our experienced team of lawyers represent applicants for committees of estates of MIPs and advise committees appointed to manage and administer the estates of MIPs. Tanner De Witt is dedicated to assisting committees of MIPs, their families, and caregivers in navigating complex legal matters.

Our experiences include:

  • Applications for committee under Part II of the Mental Health Ordinance
  • Applications under section 23 of the Mental Health Ordinance to dispose of the assets of a MIP residing overseas with assets in Hong Kong
  • Advising a committee of a high net worth MIP to resist claims for delivering up of properties made by the executor of the estate of the deceased spouse of the MIP

Contact Tanner De Witt for legal advice and representation in matters concerning:

  • Inheritance law and administration and distribution of estates in Hong Kong
  • Preparation of wills and codicils
  • Establishment of Hong Kong trusts
  • Applications for grants of probate and letters of administration
  • Resealing of grants in Hong Kong and overseas
  • Preparing Deeds of Family Arrangement
  • Applications for caveats
  • Defending or challenging validity of wills
  • Advising trustees and protectors
  • Claiming or defending entitlements in intestate estates
  • Starting or defending actions for improper administration of estates
  • Claims under the Inheritance Provision For Family And Dependants Ordinance ~ claims by people maintained by the deceased who are not provided for adequately in a will or intestacy

Trusts and Wills – Our Approach to Legal Advice 

Tanner De Witt’s lawyers aim to provide practical advice with discretion and sensitivity to clients’ needs and preferences. Further, Partners Eddie Look and Pamela Mak work closely with clients to ensure a conscientious approach to wills and probate.

Tanner De Witt Solicitors has established relationships with overseas professional services providers, including offshore law firms, accountants and tax advisers. This international network of experts is easily accessible by our lawyers, ensuring clients receive comprehensive advice that precisely addresses their circumstances.

Trusts and Wills – Contact Our Hong Kong Lawyers

For non-contentious Wills and Trusts matters please contact:

Eddie Look

For contentious Wills and Trusts matters please contact:

Pamela Mak