Administration and distribution of a deceased’s properties / Hazlina Mohd Padil

Family disputes over the properties of the deceased are norms. Many did not know the law of inheritance since it is not a subject learned in school. The disputes over properties will be referred to courts where heirs and beneficiaries claim rightful ownership over those properties. Therefore, one should at least learn the basic knowledge of the rights of deceased property. Upon death, the properties of the deceased, if any, will be distributed to the heirs and beneficiaries according to the will of the testator or the inheritance law. The deceased will leave assets (both tangible and intangible) and debts or liabilities, if any. All these possessions (assets and liabilities included) are referred to as the ‘estate’ of the deceased. A deceased’s estate will be administered by an executor or an administrator (either party can also be referred to as‘personal representative’) appointed according to either a Grant of Probate or a Letter of Administration respectively. The personal representative will settle all debts, pay taxes, and distribute the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.