Best Will & Testament Lawyers in Suva

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Founded in 2005
English
Siwatibau & Sloan is a distinguished law firm based in Suva, Fiji, renowned for its comprehensive legal services across the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 2005, the firm offers expertise in areas such as commercial law, intellectual property, tax law, commercial property, and commercial...
LexConnect

LexConnect

30 minutes Free Consultation
Suva, Fiji

Founded in 2023
4 people in their team
English
Hindi
Gujarati
LexConnect provides a centralised platform for users to seamlessly access the latest legal and regulatory insights across Oceania. Our platform is designed to empower businesses and professionals with the essential tools required to comprehend and adhere to local laws, regulations, and industry...

Founded in 2016
10 people in their team
English
Raikanikoda & Associates | Trusted Lawyers in Suva, FijiAt Raikanikoda & Associates, we believe that quality legal services should be accessible, practical, and tailored to your needs. Since opening our doors in 2016, our firm has been dedicated to helping individuals, families, and...
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Fiji Will & Testament Legal Questions answered by Lawyers

Browse our 1 legal question about Will & Testament in Fiji and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.

Can I claim
Estate Planning
Will & Testament
Hello:Thank you for sharing your situation. Assuming this matter involves the Philippine jurisdiction, let me clarify how the law generally works. Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, succession is governed by strict rules. Since your stepfather had no biological or adopted children, his heirs would be determined either by a.) his will if it was validly executed or b.) by intestate succession if no valid will exists.A key concern here is that you mentioned you signed as a witness to the will. Under Article 823 of the Civil Code, a witness to a will cannot inherit under that same will. This means that even if your stepfather left something for you, being a witness disqualifies you from receiving it. However, this does not entirely close the door. If there are other legal grounds such as a.) being treated as a compulsory heir through legal adoption (if he had adopted you), or b.) if your mother had rights over conjugal properties during their marriage, then your rights may come in indirectly.Since your stepfather’s property was originally under him and his first wife, the share of the deceased first wife should have already passed to her heirs. Your stepfather’s share, on the other hand, should follow either the will or intestate rules. If the will cannot be enforced due to technicalities, intestate succession applies. In intestacy, if your stepfather had no descendants, parents, or siblings, then the surviving spouse would have inherited. Given that your mother also passed away, her heirs, which includes you as her child, may inherit her transmissible share.What you can do now is a.) check the validity of the will to see if it complies with the formal requirements, b.) determine who the rightful heirs of both your stepfather and your mother are, and c.) pursue estate proceedings in court to settle the matter.We at Recososa Law Firm handle estate settlement cases like this. We have offices in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. We can schedule an initial consultation via Google Meet, Zoom, or a face-to-face meeting at our office to map out the inheritance path and your possible remedies. You may send us an email at recososalawfirm@gmail.com and kindly indicate that you are a client from LawZana, or call/text us directly at +639175046510.If this answers your question to your satisfaction, I hope it is not too much to ask to like and share our Facebook page and also leave us a review on our Google page below. Your support truly inspires us to continue helping more people: Google Page:https://g.page/r/CW7ozgJGLkAMEAI/reviewFacebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/RecososaLawFirmSincerely,ATTY. JOFRE B. RECOSOSAOwner/Managing PartnerRecososa Law FirmE-mail: recososalawfirm@gmail.comMobile/Viber/WhatsApp: +63-917-504-6510

About Will & Testament Law in Suva, Fiji:

Will & Testament law in Suva, Fiji governs the process of creating a legal document that outlines how a person's assets and estate should be distributed after their passing. It is important to have a valid Will to ensure that your wishes are carried out and to avoid potential disputes among family members.

Why You May Need a Lawyer:

There are several situations where you may need a lawyer to assist you with your Will & Testament, such as if you have a complex estate, multiple beneficiaries, concerns about potential challenges to your Will, or if you want to ensure that your Will complies with local laws and regulations.

Local Laws Overview:

In Suva, Fiji, the Wills Act governs how Wills should be created and executed. Some key aspects of local laws include requirements for a Will to be in writing, signed by the testator (the person making the Will) in the presence of witnesses, and the importance of ensuring that the Will is clear and unambiguous to prevent any potential legal challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is a Will and why is it important?

A Will is a legal document that outlines how your assets and estate should be distributed after your passing. It is important to have a Will to ensure that your wishes are carried out and to avoid potential disputes among family members.

2. How do I create a valid Will in Suva, Fiji?

To create a valid Will in Suva, Fiji, you must ensure that the Will is in writing, signed by you in the presence of witnesses, and that it clearly outlines how you want your assets to be distributed.

3. Can I update my Will if my circumstances change?

Yes, you can update your Will at any time if your circumstances change. It is important to review your Will regularly and make updates as needed to reflect any changes in your life.

4. What happens if I die without a Will in Suva, Fiji?

If you die without a Will in Suva, Fiji, your assets will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not align with your wishes. It is important to have a valid Will to ensure that your assets are distributed as you intend.

5. Can a Will be challenged in Suva, Fiji?

Yes, a Will can be challenged in Suva, Fiji if there are concerns about its validity or if family members believe that they have been unfairly excluded. It is important to ensure that your Will is clear and unambiguous to prevent potential challenges.

6. What is the role of an executor in a Will?

An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions outlined in your Will. They are responsible for managing your estate, paying any debts or taxes, and distributing your assets according to your wishes.

7. How do I choose an executor for my Will?

When choosing an executor for your Will, it is important to select someone who you trust to carry out your wishes and who has the ability to manage your estate effectively. You may also want to consider appointing a backup executor in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the role.

8. Can I appoint guardians for my children in my Will?

Yes, you can appoint guardians for your children in your Will to ensure that they are cared for if you pass away. It is important to discuss this decision with the potential guardians beforehand to ensure that they are willing and able to take on this responsibility.

9. How can a lawyer help me with my Will & Testament in Suva, Fiji?

A lawyer can help you create a valid Will that complies with local laws and regulations, provide guidance on complex estate planning issues, and assist with any challenges or disputes that may arise regarding your Will.

10. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for Will & Testament advice in Suva, Fiji?

The cost of hiring a lawyer for Will & Testament advice in Suva, Fiji may vary depending on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. It is advisable to request a consultation to discuss your needs and obtain a quote for legal services.

Additional Resources:

If you need legal advice or assistance with your Will & Testament in Suva, Fiji, you may consider contacting the Fiji Law Society for a list of qualified attorneys who specialize in estate planning and probate law.

Next Steps:

If you require legal assistance with your Will & Testament in Suva, Fiji, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with a qualified attorney who can review your situation, provide personalized advice, and assist you in creating a valid Will that reflects your wishes and complies with local laws.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Suva through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Will & Testament, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Suva, Fiji - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.