Disputes over property ownership are increasingly prevalent in Fiji as more individuals pass away without establishing a will, according to Razmoon Bi, an estate officer with the Fiji Public Trustee Corporation Pte Ltd. Bi emphasized the critical role that wills play in preventing misunderstandings and conflicts among family members following a death.
She noted that as people’s understanding of assets and finances improves, the importance of having a will to specify asset inheritance becomes even more apparent. The absence of a will forces families to engage in a legal process called letters of administration, which can lead to significant disagreements among relatives.
Bi shared the story of an elderly woman from Bulileka, whose husband died without a will. The couple owned a crown lease property for 99 years, yet after the husband’s passing, the legal requirement was to split the estate, allocating $20,000 and one-third of remaining assets to the spouse, while the two-thirds would go to their four sons. The children’s refusal to sign the necessary documents has left the case unresolved, leading to escalating tensions and emotional strife within the family.
Bi urged the public to take proactive steps by drafting a will to mitigate future conflicts, as trustees frequently handle similar cases where disputes arise over estate distribution. This reminder serves as a call to families to prioritize open discussions about asset distribution, preventing potential heartbreak and misunderstandings during already emotionally challenging times.
The increasing awareness of the importance of wills and estate planning signifies a shift towards more educated decisions regarding personal assets in Fiji. By ensuring that wishes are clearly documented, families can foster harmony and understanding, even in the wake of loss.
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