Succession planning and estate administration, handled with care.

Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's will is formally recognised by the court and the executor is authorised to administer the estate. In Malaysia, probate is required where a person dies leaving a valid will and holds assets in their sole name. Where there is no will, the appropriate process is an application for Letters of Administration.

Where a person dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to the Distribution Act 1958 (for non-Muslims in Peninsular Malaysia). The family members or other interested parties must apply to court for Letters of Administration, which appoints an administrator to manage the estate.

This varies depending on the nature of the matter. In general terms, you would expect to provide a certified copy of the death certificate, the original will (if any), identity documents for the executor or administrator, and details of the deceased's assets and liabilities. We will advise you on the specific documents required once we understand your circumstances.

Duration depends on the complexity of the estate, the number of assets involved, and whether any disputes arise. Simple estates with straightforward assets may be resolved within several months; more complex matters can take considerably longer. We set out realistic timescale expectations at the beginning of each engagement.

Yes. Our Executor Support and Advice service is designed for exactly this situation. Rather than engaging us to conduct the full administration, executors may draw on our advisory services as questions arise during the process — on a time-based retainer. This provides professional guidance without the cost of a complete engagement.

Digital assets — including online accounts, cryptocurrency holdings, and digital collections — present practical and legal challenges that traditional estate planning does not always address. We advise on the current Malaysian legal position, which continues to develop, prepare provisions within wills to address digital assets, and guide executors on the practical steps required to access and distribute them.

For our fixed-scope engagements (Lifetime Gifting Advice and Digital Asset Succession), fees are stated in advance. Executor Support is billed on a time basis against an agreed retainer. All fee arrangements are confirmed in writing before work begins. Our published fees are MYR 1,100, MYR 1,300, and from MYR 820 respectively.

We can advise on the legal position where disagreements arise between beneficiaries or other interested parties. If formal litigation becomes necessary, we will advise on the most appropriate course and, where relevant, refer to suitable counsel. Our preference is always to help clients understand their position fully before taking any formal step.