Families Share Their Experience with Delima Guaman

The Challenge

Probate Without a Will — Multi-Property Estate

A widow in her 60s approached us after her husband passed without leaving a Will. The estate included three properties, EPF savings, and ASB unit trust holdings. The family was receiving conflicting advice from different sources and did not know who had the authority to act.

Our Approach

We obtained Letters of Administration from the High Court, prepared the estate inventory, and coordinated with EPF, the Land Office, and ASB to initiate transfer applications. The client received clear progress updates throughout without having to contact us to ask.

The Outcome

All assets were fully transferred to the lawful beneficiaries within 14 months. The client noted that the process was more straightforward than she had feared, and that she always understood what was happening at each stage.

"I kept expecting something to go wrong, but it never did. They stayed on top of everything."

The Challenge

Contested Will — Four Siblings, Disputed Shares

Four adult children could not agree on the interpretation of their parent's Will. Two siblings believed they had been treated unfairly relative to the others. The risk of prolonged litigation was real and the family relationships were strained.

Our Approach

We represented the administrator and worked to bring all four parties into a structured negotiation, with separate legal representation for the objecting siblings also involved. Correspondence was handled professionally, and a mediation session was arranged with an agreed neutral.

The Outcome

A written settlement was reached within six months, avoiding court proceedings. All parties signed a consent order and the estate was distributed in accordance with the agreed terms. Court filing was not required.

"I did not expect us to reach agreement, but they managed it without making anyone feel they had lost."

The Challenge

First Will — Client With Complex Family Arrangements

A professional in his 50s had children from two marriages and had accumulated property in two states. He had never written a Will and was concerned about how to distribute his assets equitably without triggering family conflict after his death.

Our Approach

We conducted a thorough initial consultation across two sessions to fully understand his family circumstances and wishes. A clear Will was drafted that addressed each property, financial asset, and dependent specifically, with an explanation attached for the executor.

The Outcome

The Will was executed within three weeks of the first meeting. The client updated it once two years later when circumstances changed, and commented that the process was considerably less fraught than he had anticipated.

"It felt like talking to someone who had heard complicated situations before. Nothing I said surprised them."