RE CHOI YUK NGAN

RE CHOI YUK NGAN

A step-son does not fall within the statutory definitions of 'child' or 'issue' under the Intestates' Estates Ordinance; therefore the widow (as administratrix of the step-son) cannot obtain a grant of letters of administration in respect of the deceased's estate; if no next-of-kin exists the estate must be dealt with under section 4(9) IEO.

Citation
RE CHOI YUK NGAN
Parties
Deceased: Choi Yuk Ngan; Original Applicant (deceased): Step-son of Choi Yuk Ngan (unnamed); Applicant/administratrix: Widow of step-son (Administratrix)
Court
Court of First Instance
Jurisdiction
Hong Kong
Judgment Date
26 May 2011
Case Number
HCEA40/2008
Procedural Posture
Probate/administration / Application for Letters of Administration; Hearing in Chambers; Judgment Issued
Outcome
Application for letters of administration refused as the step-son does not qualify as 'child' or 'issue' under the IEO; widow cannot obtain grant in respect of the deceased's estate.
Legal Topics
Letters of Administration, Definition of 'child' and 'issue' Under the Intestates' Estates Ordinance, Entitlement of Step Children
Source Language
EN
Succession Probate Intestacy Letters of Administration Definition of 'child' and 'issue' Under the Intestates' Estates Ordinance Entitlement of Step Children

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Parties

Choi Yuk Ngan

Deceased

Step-son of Choi Yuk Ngan (unnamed)

Original Applicant (deceased)

Widow of step-son (Administratrix)

Applicant/administratrix

Procedural Posture

Probate/administration / Application for Letters of Administration; Hearing in Chambers; Judgment Issued

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a step-son qualifies as 'child' or 'issue' under the Intestates' Estates Ordinance (IEO) for entitlement to letters of administration
  2. 2 Whether the widow (administratrix) of the step-son can obtain grant of letters of administration in respect of the deceased's estate
  3. 3 Procedure if no next-of-kin exists for intestate estate under IEO s.4(9)

Ratio Decidendi

A step-son does not fall within the statutory definitions of 'child' or 'issue' under the Intestates' Estates Ordinance; therefore the widow (as administratrix of the step-son) cannot obtain a grant of letters of administration in respect of the deceased's estate; if no next-of-kin exists the estate must be dealt with under section 4(9) IEO.

Court Disposition

Application for letters of administration refused as the step-son does not qualify as 'child' or 'issue' under the IEO; widow cannot obtain grant in respect of the deceased's estate.

Orders

  • Application for letters of administration refused.
  • If no next-of-kin exists, the estate to be dealt with in accordance with section 4(9) of the Intestates' Estates Ordinance.