[WEBINAR] Family Conference 2020

Session 2: Multiplicity of Proceedings in Family and Probate Matters – The Challenges of Having Different Claims, Different Parties, or Assets in Different Jurisdictions

Moderator

Goh Kok Yeow – Head of Probate / Trusts Practice, De Souza Lim & Goh

Panellists

Jeyakuhan Jeyasingam – Partner, Zaid Ibrahim & Co

Wendy Lam – Partner, Stevenson, Wong & Co

Sim Bock Eng – Partner and Head of the Specialist & Private Client Disputes Practice, WongPartnership LLP

In URF and another v. URH [2020] 3 SLR 314, the High Court (Family Division) concluded that the Family Justice Courts does not have jurisdiction to hear inter vivos claims. In the increasingly complex family and probate practice, the resolution of a family’s financial matters may require the determination of multiple claims, the participation of third parties closely linked to the parties to a suit such as trustees and other family members, and the involvement of family assets spanning different jurisdictions. The panel will examine how to address such complexities and the consequent multiplicity of proceedings in their respective jurisdictions in the different scenarios. In the course of doing so, the panel will also let us in on the little-discussed peculiarities of probate practice unique to their respective jurisdictions.