INTESTATES' ESTATES ORDINANCE by Simon Lo

Chapter:

INTESTATES' ESTATES ORDINANCE Long title

Gazette Number Version Date 30/06/1997

INTESTATES' ESTATES* To amend the law relating to the distribution of intestates' estates. [7 October 1971] L.N. 122 of 1971 (Originally 1 of 1971) ___________________________________________________________________ Notes: * 1. The operation of this Ordinance is affected by section 18 of 57 of 1995. That section is reproduced as follows"18. Application of Ordinance This Ordinance does not affect any rights under the intestacy of a person dying before the commencement of this Ordinance.". 2.

57 of 1995 commenced operation on 3 November 1995.

Section:

Short title

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This Ordinance may be cited as the Intestates' Estates Ordinance. Section:

Interpretation

L.N. 227 of 2005 25/01/2006

(1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires"court" (法院) means the Court of First Instance; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2) "estate" (遺產) means real and personal estate; "husband" (丈夫) and "wife" (妻子), in relation to a person, mean a husband or wife of that person by a valid marriage; "intestate" (無遺囑者) includes a person who leaves a will but dies intestate as to some beneficial interest in his estate; [cf. 1925 c. 23 s. 55(1) U.K.] "personal chattels" (非土地資產) means(a) the following things situated at the time of the intestate's death at any residence of a surviving husband or wife of the intestate, namely furniture, clothes, articles of adornment, articles of household, personal, recreational or decorative use, consumable stores, garden effects and domestic animals; and (b) motor vehicles and accessories, but does not include any chattel used exclusively or principally for business or professional purposes, or money or securities for money; (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 2) "residuary estate" (剩餘遺產) means every beneficial interest in an estate as to which a person dies intestate, after payment of all such funeral and administration expenses, debts and other liabilities as are properly payable thereout, which (otherwise than in right of a power of appointment) he could, if of full age and capacity, have disposed of by his will. (2) For the purposes of this Ordinance, a person adopted under(a) an adoption order made under the Adoption Ordinance (Cap 290); (b) an adoption to which section 17 or 20F of that Ordinance applies; or (c) an adoption made in Hong Kong in accordance with Chinese law and custom before 1 January 1973, shall be treated, subject to subsection (2A), as the child of the adopter, and not as the child of any other person, and all relationships to the adopted person shall be deduced accordingly. (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 2. Amended 28 of 2004 s. 35)

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(2A) For the purposes of this Ordinance, a person adopted under an adoption order granted under paragraph (c) of section 5(1) of the Adoption Ordinance (Cap 290) shall be treated as the child of the adopter and the parent referred to in that paragraph, and not as the child of any other person, and all relationships to the adopted person shall be deduced accordingly. (Added 28 of 2004 s. 35) (3) References in this Ordinance to a child or issue living at the death of any person include a child or issue en ventre sa mere at the death. [cf. 1925 c. 23 s. 55(2) U.K.] (4) (Repealed 57 of 1995 s. 2) Section:

Valid marriage

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For the purposes of this Ordinance, "valid marriage" (有效婚姻) means(a) a marriage celebrated or contracted in accordance with the provisions of the Marriage Ordinance (Cap 181); (b) a modern marriage validated by the Marriage Reform Ordinance (Cap 178); (c) a customary marriage declared to be valid by the Marriage Reform Ordinance (Cap 178); (d) a marriage celebrated or contracted outside Hong Kong in accordance with the law in force at the time and in the place where the marriage was performed. Section:

Presumption concerning illegitimate person

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(1) For the purposes of this Ordinance, an illegitimate person is presumed not to have been survived by his father, or by any person related to him only through his father, unless the contrary is shown. [cf. 1987 c. 42 s. 18(2) U.K.] (2) The presumption in subsection (1) does not apply to a person who(a) is a legitimated person within the meaning of section 2 of the Legitimacy Ordinance (Cap 184); (b) is deemed to be or treated as legitimate, under the Legitimacy Ordinance (Cap 184); (c) is an adopted person under(i) an adoption order made under the Adoption Ordinance (Cap 290); (ii) any adoption recognized as valid by the law of Hong Kong; (d) is otherwise treated in law as legitimate. [cf. 1987 c. 42 s. 1(4) U.K.] (Added 17 of 1993 s. 19) Section:

Succession to estate on intestacy

21 of 2005

11/02/2006

(1) The residuary estate of an intestate shall be distributed in the manner or be held on the trusts mentioned in this section. (2) If the intestate leaves a husband or wife and leaves(a) no issue; and (b) no parent, or brother or sister of the whole blood, or issue of a brother or sister of the whole blood, (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 3) the residuary estate shall be held in trust for the surviving husband or wife absolutely. (3) If the intestate leaves a husband or wife and issue, whether or not persons mentioned in subsection (2)(b) also survive, the surviving husband or wife shall take the personal chattels absolutely and, in addition, the residuary estate of the intestate (other than the personal chattels) shall stand charged with the payment of a net sum of $500000, free of death duties (if any) and costs, to the surviving husband or wife with interest on that sum from the date of the death at the rate determined from time to time by the Chief Justice for the purpose of section 49(1)(b) of the High Court Ordinance (Cap 4) until paid or appropriated and, subject to providing for that sum and interest, the residuary estate (other than the personal chattels) shall be held- (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2; 21 of 2005 s. 34) (a) as to one half, in trust for the surviving husband or wife absolutely; and (b) as to the other half, on the statutory trusts for the issue of the intestate. (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 3) (4) If the intestate leaves no issue but does leave a husband or wife and one or more of the following, namely a parent, a brother or sister of the whole blood, or issue of a brother or sister of the whole blood, the surviving husband or wife shall take the personal chattels absolutely and, in addition, the residuary estate of the intestate shall stand charged with the payment of a net sum of $1000000, free of death duties (if any) and costs, to the surviving husband

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or wife with interest on that sum from the date of death at the rate determined from time to time by the Chief Justice for the purpose of section 49(1)(b) of the High Court Ordinance (Cap 4) until paid or appropriated and, subject to providing for that sum and interest, the residuary estate shall be held- (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2; 21 of 2005 s. 34) (a) as to one half, in trust for the surviving husband or wife absolutely; and (b) as to the other half(i) where the intestate leaves one parent or both parents (whether or not brothers or sisters of the intestate or their issue also survive), in trust for the parent absolutely or, as the case may be, for the 2 parents in equal shares absolutely; or (ii) where the intestate leaves no parent, on the statutory trusts for the brothers and sisters of the whole blood of the intestate. (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 3) (5) If the intestate leaves issue but no husband or wife the residuary estate of the intestate shall be held on the statutory trusts for the issue of the intestate. (6) If the intestate leaves no husband or wife and no issue but both parents, then the residuary estate of the intestate shall be held in trust for the father and mother in equal shares absolutely. (7) If the intestate leaves no husband or wife and no issue but one parent, then the residuary estate of the intestate shall be held in trust for the surviving father or mother absolutely. (8) If the intestate leaves no husband or wife and no issue and no parent, then the residuary estate of the intestate shall be held in trust for the following persons living at the death of the intestate, and in the following order and manner, namelyfirstly, on the statutory trusts for the brothers and sisters of the whole blood of the intestate; but if no person takes an absolutely vested interest under such trusts; then secondly, on the statutory trusts for the brothers and sisters of the half blood of the intestate; but if no person takes an absolutely vested interest under such trusts; then thirdly, for the grandparents of the intestate and, if more than one survive the intestate, in equal shares; but if there is no member of this class; then fourthly, on the statutory trusts for the uncles and aunts of the intestate who are brothers or sisters of the whole blood of a parent of the intestate; but if no person takes an absolutely vested interest under such trusts; then fifthly, on the statutory trusts for the uncles and aunts of the intestate who are brothers or sisters of the half blood of a parent of the intestate. (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 3) (9) In default of any person taking an absolute interest under the foregoing provisions, the residuary estate of the intestate shall, subject to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Ordinance (Cap 481), belong to the Government as bona vacantia and the Government may (without prejudice to any other powers), out of the whole or any part of the property devolving on it, provide for dependants, whether kindred or not, of the intestate, and other persons for whom the intestate might reasonably have been expected to make provision. (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 3; 29 of 1998 s. 105) (10) A husband and wife shall for all purposes of distribution or division under the foregoing provisions of this section be treated as 2 persons. (11) Where the intestate and the intestate's husband or wife have died in circumstances rendering it uncertain that one of them, or which of them, survived the other this section shall have effect as respects the intestate as if the husband or wife had not survived the intestate. (Amended 62 of 1984 s. 11) (12) The interest payable on the net sum payable under subsection (3) or (4) to the surviving husband or wife shall be primarily payable out of income. (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 3) (13) The Legislative Council may, from time to time, by resolution vary either or both of the net sums charged by subsections (3) and (4), and any reference in this Ordinance, or in any other Ordinance, to either of such net sums shall have effect as a reference to the corresponding net sum as varied under this subsection. (14) Any resolution under subsection (13) varying the amount of either of such net sums shall have effect in relation to the estate of any person dying after the coming into force of the resolution. [cf. 1925 c. 23 s. 46 U.K.] Section:

Judicially separated spouses not entitled to claim in intestacy of each other

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(1) If while a decree of judicial separation is in force and the separation is continuing either of the parties whose marriage is the subject of the decree dies after 1 July 1972 intestate as respects all or any of his or her real or

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personal property, the property of that party as respects which he or she died intestate shall devolve as if the other party to the marriage had then been dead. (2) Notwithstanding anything in section 5(a) of the Separation and Maintenance Orders Ordinance (Cap 16), a provision in force in an order made, or having effect as if made, under that section that a party to a marriage be no longer bound to cohabit with the other party to the marriage shall not have effect as a decree of judicial separation on the ground of cruelty for the purposes of this section. (Added 39 of 1972 s. 33(3)) [cf. 1970 c. 45 s. 40 U.K.] Section:

Statutory trusts in favour of issue and other classes of relatives of intestate

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(1) Where under this Ordinance the residuary estate of an intestate, or any part thereof, is directed to be held on the statutory trusts for the issue of the intestate, the same shall be held upon the following trusts, namely(a) in trust, in equal shares if more than one, for all or any of the children or child of the intestate, living at the death of the intestate, who attain full age or marry before attaining full age, and for all or any of the issue living at the death of the intestate who attain full age or marry before attaining full age of any child of the intestate who predeceases the intestate, such issue to take through all degrees, according to their stocks, in equal shares if more than one, the share which their parent would have taken if living at the death of the intestate, but no issue shall take whose parent is living at the death of the intestate and is so capable of taking; (Amended 32 of 1990 s. 15) (b) the statutory power of advancement, and the statutory provisions which relate to maintenance and accumulation of surplus income, shall apply, but when an infant marries such infant shall be entitled to give valid receipts for the income of the infant's share or interest; (c) where the property held on the statutory trusts for the issue is divisible into shares, then any money or property which, by way of advancement or on the marriage of a child of the intestate, has been paid to such child by the intestate or settled by the intestate for the benefit of such child (including any life or lesser interest and including property covenanted to be paid or settled) shall, subject to any contrary intention expressed or appearing from the circumstances of the case, be taken as being so paid or settled in or towards satisfaction of the share of such child or the share which each child would have taken if living at the death of the intestate, and shall be brought into account, at a valuation (the value to be reckoned as at the death of the intestate), in accordance with the requirements of the personal representatives; (d) the personal representatives may permit any infant contingently interested to have the use and enjoyment of any personal chattels in such manner and subject to such conditions, if any, as the personal representatives may consider reasonable, and without being liable to account for any consequential loss. (2) If the trusts in favour of the issue of the intestate fail by reason of no child or other issue attaining an absolutely vested interest(a) the residuary estate of the intestate and the income thereof and all statutory accumulations, if any, of the income thereof, or so much thereof as may not have been paid or applied under any power affecting the same, shall go, devolve and be held under the provisions of this Ordinance as if the intestate had died without leaving issue living at the death of the intestate; (b) references in this Ordinance to the intestate "leaving no issue" (無遺下後嗣) shall be construed as "leaving no issue who attain an absolutely vested interest"; (c) references in this Ordinance to the intestate "leaving issue" (遺下後嗣) or "leaving a child or other issue" (遺下子女或其他後嗣) shall be construed as "leaving issue who attain an absolutely vested interest". (3) Where under this Ordinance the residuary estate of an intestate or any part thereof is directed to be held on the statutory trusts for any class of relatives of the intestate, other than issue of the intestate, the same shall be held on trusts corresponding to the statutory trusts for the issue of the intestate (other than the provision for bringing any money or property into account) as if such trusts (other than as aforesaid) were repeated with the substitution of references to the members or member of that class for references to the children or child of the intestate. (4) References in section 4(2), (3) or (4) to the intestate leaving, or not leaving, a member of the class

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consisting of brothers or sisters of the whole blood of the intestate and issue of brothers or sisters of the whole blood of the intestate shall be construed as references to the intestate leaving, or not leaving, a member of that class who attains an absolutely vested interest. (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 4) (5) (Repealed 57 of 1995 s. 4) [cf. 1925 c. 23 s. 47 U.K.] Section:

Powers of personal representatives in respect of sums payable to surviving husband or wife

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The personal representatives may raise(a) the net sum payable under section 4(3) or (4) to the surviving husband or wife of the intestate or any part of that sum and the interest upon it on the security of the whole or any part of the residuary estate of the intestate (other than the personal chattels), so far as that estate may be sufficient for the purpose or that sum and interest upon it may not have been satisfied by an appropriation under the statutory power available in that behalf; and (b) in like manner, the amount, if any, properly required for the payment of the costs of the transaction. (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 5) [cf. 1925 c. 23 s. 48(2) U.K.] Section:

Right of surviving spouse to acquire residence

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Schedule 2 shall have effect for enabling the surviving husband or wife of an intestate to acquire the premises in which the surviving husband or wife was residing at the time of the intestate's death. (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 5) [cf. 1952 c. 64 s. 5 U.K.] Section:

Application to cases of partial intestacy

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(1) Where any person dies leaving a will effectively disposing of part of his property or any interest therein, this Ordinance shall have effect as respects the part of his property not so disposed of subject to the provisions contained in the will and subject further to the following modifications:- (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 6) (a) where the deceased leaves a husband or wife who acquires any beneficial interests under the will of the deceased (other than personal chattels specifically bequeathed) the references in this Ordinance to the net sum payable to a surviving husband or wife, and to interest on that sum, shall be taken as references to the said sum diminished by the value at the date of death of the said beneficial interests, and to interest on that sum as so diminished and, accordingly, where the said value exceeds the said sum, this Ordinance shall have effect as if references to the said sum, and interest thereon, were omitted; (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 6) (b) the requirements of section 5 as to bringing property into account shall apply to any beneficial interests acquired by any issue of the deceased under the will of the deceased, but not to beneficial interests so acquired by any other person. (2) References in subsection (1) to beneficial interests acquired under a will shall be construed as including a reference to a beneficial interest acquired by virtue of the exercise by the will of a general power of appointment, but not of a special power of appointment. (3) For the purposes of subsection (1) the personal representatives shall employ a duly qualified valuer in any case where such employment may be necessary. [cf. 1925 c. 23 s. 49 U.K.] Section:

Application where surviving spouse or other person acquires an interest under foreign law

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(1) Where the intestate leaves a husband or wife who acquires under the law of intestacy or of partial intestacy of a place other than Hong Kong any beneficial interests in the intestate's estate, subsection (2) applies to that estate. (2) The references in this Ordinance to the net sum payable to a surviving husband or wife, and to interest on

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that sum, shall be taken to be references to the net sum diminished by the value at the date of death of the beneficial interests referred to in subsection (1), and to interest on that sum as so diminished and, accordingly, where the value of those beneficial interests exceeds the net sum, this Ordinance shall have effect as if references to the net sum, and interest on that sum, were omitted. (3) Where under this Ordinance the residuary estate of an intestate, or any part thereof, is directed to be held on trust, or on statutory trust, for persons other than the husband or wife of the intestate, the value at the date of death of the beneficial interests specified in subsection (4) that is acquired by any of such persons shall be taken as being paid or settled in or towards satisfaction of the entitlement of that person and shall be brought into account in accordance with the requirements of the personal representatives. (4) The beneficial interests for the purpose of subsection (3) are those acquired under the law of intestacy or of partial intestacy of a place other than Hong Kong in the intestate's estate. (5) For the purposes of subsections (2) and (3), the personal representatives shall employ a duly qualified valuer in any case where such employment may be necessary. (Added 57 of 1995 s. 7) Section:

Personal representative trustee of residuary estate

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Subject to his rights and powers for the purposes of administration the personal representative of any person dying intestate shall be a trustee for the persons beneficially entitled under this Ordinance in respect of the residuary estate of the deceased unless it appears from the will, if any, of the deceased that he is to take the residuary estate beneficially. [cf. 1830 c. 40 s. 1 U.K] Section:

Construction of documents

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(1) References to any Statutes of Distribution in an instrument inter vivos made, or in a will coming into operation, after the commencement of this Ordinance shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be construed as references to this Ordinance; and references in such an instrument or will to statutory next-of-kin shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be construed as referring to the persons who take beneficially on an intestacy under this Ordinance. (2) Trusts declared by reference to any Statutes of Distribution in an instrument inter vivos made, or in a will coming into operation, before the commencement of this Ordinance shall, unless the contrary thereby appears, be construed as referring to the law relating to the distribution of effects of intestates which was in force immediately before the commencement of this Ordinance. [cf. 1925 c. 23 s. 50 U.K.] Section:

(Repealed)

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(Repealed 57 of 1995 s. 8) Section:

Application of Ordinance

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This Ordinance shall have effect as regards any person dying intestate after the commencement of this Ordinance. Section:

Transitional provisions for concubinage

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(1) Schedule 1 shall have effect with regard to a union of concubinage entered into before 7 October 1971. (2) In subsection (1) and Schedule 1, "union of concubinage" (夫妾關係) means a union of concubinage, entered into by a male partner and a female partner before 7 October 1971, under which union the female partner has, during the lifetime of the male partner, been accepted by his wife as his concubine and recognized as such by his family generally. (3) Where in any proceedings a union of concubinage is proved to have been entered into by a male partner and a female partner before 7 October 1971, it shall be presumed until the contrary is proved that the female partner has,

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during the lifetime of the male partner, been accepted by his wife as his concubine and recognized as such by his family generally. (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 9) Schedule:

29 of 1998

01/07/1997

Remarks: Adaptation amendments retroactively made - 29 of 1998 s. 105

[section 13] (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 10) 1.

Interpretation

(1) In this Schedule- (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 10) "party to a union of concubinage" (夫妾關係的一方) means a tsip or a male partner of such a union; "tsip" (妾) means the female partner of a union of concubinage. (2) For the purposes of this Schedule(a) "taking out representation" refers to the obtaining of the probate of a will or the grant of administration; and (b) in deciding when representation was first taken out, a grant limited to part only of the estate of the deceased shall be left out of account unless a grant limited to the remainder of the estate has previously been made or is made at the same time. (Added 57 of 1995 s. 10) (Amended 49 of 1971 s. 3) 2.

Application of Ordinance to child of common family

(1) A child of a union of concubinage shall be regarded for the purposes of section 3A as a person whose father and mother were married to each other at the time of his birth. (2) References in the Ordinance to "a child of any person" include(a) if that person is the tsip of a union of concubinage, references to(i) a child of the male partner of that union and his wife; and (ii) a child of any other union of concubinage to which the male partner of that union is or was a party; and (b) if that person is the wife of the male partner of a union of concubinage, references to a child of that union of concubinage, and "issue" shall be construed accordingly. (3) A child of a union of concubinage and(a) a child of the male partner of that union and his wife; and (b) a child of any other union of concubinage to which that male partner is or was a party, shall be regarded for the purposes of section 4(2)(b), (4) and (8) as siblings of the whole blood. (Replaced 57 of 1995 s. 10) 3.

Application of Ordinance to party to union of concubinage

The Ordinance shall apply to a party to a union of concubinage to the extent set out in paragraph 4 and section 4 shall be modified accordingly. 4.

Benefits of tsip or male partner

(1) Where the intestate is at the time of his death a party to one union of concubinage and the residuary estate is held on trust for the surviving wife absolutely in accordance with section 4(2), one third of the residuary estate shall be held on trust for the tsip of that union of concubinage absolutely. (2) Where the intestate is at the time of his death a party to more than one union of concubinage and the

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residuary estate is held on trust for the surviving wife absolutely in accordance with section 4(2), one third of the residuary estate shall be held on trust for such of his tsip who survive him, in equal shares absolutely. (3) Where the intestate is at the time of his death a party to one union of concubinage and the residuary estate is held as to one half on trust for the surviving wife absolutely in accordance with section 4(3), one third of the said half shall be held on trust to pay the income therefrom to the tsip of that union of concubinage during her lifetime. (4) Where the intestate is at the time of his death a party to more than one union of concubinage and the residuary estate is held as to one half on trust for the surviving wife absolutely in accordance with section 4(3), one third of the said half shall be held on trust to pay the income therefrom to such of his tsip who survive him, and to the survivors of them, in equal shares. (5) Where the intestate is at the time of his death a party to one union of concubinage and the residuary estate is held as to one half on trust in accordance with section 4(4)(b), one third of the said half shall be held on trust for the tsip of the union of concubinage absolutely. (6) Where the intestate is at the time of his death a party to more than one union of concubinage and the residuary estate is held as to one half on trust in accordance with section 4(4)(b), one third of the said half share shall be held on trust for such of his tsips who survive him in equal shares absolutely. (7) Where the intestate is at the time of death a party to one union of concubinage and the residuary estate is held on the statutory trusts for the intestate's issue in accordance with section 4(5), one third of the residuary estate shall be held on trust to pay the income therefrom to the surviving party to that union of concubinage during his or her lifetime. (8) Where the intestate is at the time of death a party to more than one union of concubinage and the residuary estate is held on the statutory trusts for his issue in accordance with section 4(5), one third of the residuary estate shall be held on trust to pay the income therefrom to such of his tsips who survive him, and to the survivors of them, in equal shares. (9) Where the intestate is at the time of death a party to one union of concubinage and the residuary estate is held on trust in accordance with section 4(6), (7) or (8), one third of the residuary estate shall be held on trust for the surviving party to the union of concubinage absolutely. (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 10) (10) Where the intestate is at the time of his death a party to more than one union of concubinage and the residuary estate is held on trust in accordance with section 4(6), (7) or (8), one third of the residuary estate shall be held on trust for such of his tsips who survive him in equal shares absolutely. (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 10) (10A) Where the intestate is at the time of death a party to one union of concubinage and the residuary estate belongs to the Government in accordance with section 4(9), the residuary estate shall be held on trust for the surviving party to the union of concubinage absolutely. (Added 57 of 1995 s. 10. Amended 29 of 1998 s. 105) (10B) Where the intestate is at the time of death a party to more than one union of concubinage and the residuary estate belongs to the Government in accordance with section 4(9), the residuary estate shall be held on trust for such of his tsips who survive him in equal shares absolutely. (Added 57 of 1995 s. 10. Amended 29 of 1998 s. 105) (11) Reference to a husband or wife in section 4(10) and (11) shall be deemed to include references to a party to a union of concubinage. (12) The entitlement under sub-paragraphs (3), (4), (7) and (8) of a tsip to the income from a share in an intestate's estate shall thereupon cease if she marries. (Amended 57 of 1995 s. 10) (13) Paragraph 5 shall have effect for enabling a surviving party to a union of concubinage to have his or her life interest redeemed. (Added 57 of 1995 s. 10) 5.

Right of surviving tsip or male partner to have life interest redeemed

(1) Where a surviving tsip or male partner is entitled to a life interest in part of the residuary estate, and so elects, the personal representatives shall purchase or redeem the life interest by paying the capital value thereof to the tenant for life, or the persons deriving title under the tenant for life, and the costs of the transaction; and thereupon the residuary estate of the intestate may be dealt with and distributed free from the life interest. (2) An election under this paragraph shall only be exercisable if at the time of the election the whole of the relevant part of the residuary estate consists of property in possession, but, for the purposes of this paragraph, a life interest in property partly in possession and partly not in possession shall be treated as consisting of 2 separate life interests in those respective parts of the property. (3) The capital value shall be reckoned in such manner approved by the Chief Justice as the Secretary for Home Affairs may by notice in the Gazette prescribe.

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(4) An election under this paragraph shall be exercisable(a) only within the period of 12 months from the date on which representation with respect to the estate of the intestate is first taken out; (b) by notifying the personal representatives in writing. (5) The personal representatives may raise(a) the capital sum, if any, required for the purchase or redemption of a life interest under this paragraph, or any part thereof not satisfied by the application for that purpose of any part of the residuary estate of the intestate, on the security of the whole or any part of that residuary estate (other than the personal chattels), so far as(i) that estate may be sufficient for the purpose; or (ii) the sum may not have been satisfied by an appropriation under the statutory power available in that behalf; and (b) in like manner, the amount, if any, properly required for the payment of the costs of the transaction. (Added 57 of 1995 s. 10) (Added 57 of 1995 s. 10) [cf. 1925 c. 23 ss. 47A & 48 U.K.] Schedule:

30/06/1997 [section 7]

Right of surviving spouse to require residence to be appropriated

(1) Where the residuary estate of the intestate comprises or includes an interest in premises in which the surviving husband or wife was residing at the time of the intestate's death (referred to in this Schedule as the "residence") and the surviving husband or wife so elects, the personal representatives shall appropriate that interest(a) in or towards satisfaction of any interest of the surviving husband or wife in the estate of the intestate; or (b) partly in satisfaction of an interest of the surviving husband or wife in the estate of the intestate and partly in return for a payment of money by the surviving husband or wife to the personal representatives. (2) Subparagraph (1) does not apply where the interest is(a) a tenancy that at the date of the intestate's death was a tenancy that would determine within a period of 2 years from that date; or (b) a tenancy that the landlord by notice given after that date could determine within the remainder of that period. (3) For the purposes of such appropriation, the personal representatives shall ascertain and fix the value of the interest in the residence and shall for that purpose employ a duly qualified valuer and may make any transfer or conveyance (including an assent) that may be necessary for giving effect to that appropriation.

Restrictions on exercise of election

Where the residence(a) forms part of a building and the residuary estate comprises or includes an interest in the whole of the building; or (b) was, at the time of the intestate's death, partly used for purposes other than domestic purposes, an election under paragraph 1 shall not be exercisable unless the court, on being satisfied that the exercise of that election is not likely to diminish the value of the assets in the residuary estate (other than the interest in the residence) or make them more difficult to dispose of, so orders.

Exercise of election (1) An election under paragraph 1-

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(a) shall not be exercisable after the expiration of 12 months from the first taking out of representation with respect to the intestate's estate; (b) shall not be exercisable after the death of the surviving husband or wife; (c) shall be exercisable by notifying the personal representatives in writing. (2) A notification in writing under subparagraph (1)(c) is not revocable except with the consent of the personal representatives; but the surviving husband or wife may require the personal representatives to have the interest in the residence valued in accordance with paragraph 1(3) and to inform him or her of the result of that valuation before he or she decides whether to exercise the right. (3) Paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 1 shall apply for the purposes of the construction of the reference in this paragraph to the first taking out of representation.

Restrictions on disposal of residence

(1) During the period of 12 months mentioned in paragraph 3, the personal representatives shall not without the written consent of the surviving husband or wife sell or otherwise dispose of the interest in the residence except in the course of administration owing to want of other assets. (2) An application to the court under paragraph 2 may be made by the personal representatives as well as by the surviving husband or wife, and if, on an application under that paragraph, the court does not order that an election under paragraph 1 shall be exercisable by the surviving husband or wife, the court may authorize the personal representatives to dispose of the interest in the residence within the period of 12 months referred to. (3) This paragraph shall not apply where the surviving husband or wife is the sole personal representative or one of 2 or more personal representatives. (4) Nothing in this paragraph shall confer any right on the surviving husband or wife as against any person who in good faith acquires an interest in property for valuable consideration (including marriage but not including a nominal consideration in money) from the personal representatives.

Purchase of residence by personal representative

Where the surviving husband or wife is one of 2 or more personal representatives, the rule that a trustee may not be a purchaser of trust property shall not prevent the surviving husband or wife from purchasing the residence in accordance with this Schedule.

Persons of unsound mind and infants

(1) Where the surviving husband or wife is a person of unsound mind, an election, requirement or consent under this Schedule may be made or given on his or her behalf by the guardian or committee, or where there is no guardian or committee, by the court. (2) An election, requirement or consent made or given under this Schedule by a surviving husband or wife who is an infant shall be as valid and binding as it would be if he or she were of age. (Schedule 2 added 57 of 1995 s. 11)

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