Wills and Probate
Planning Ahead with Confidence
Estate Planning
Payne Velasco solicitors are experienced in advising and representing clients in relation to their estate planning and probate matters in Hong Kong.
Our firm has assisted its clients in planning their estates by preparing a Will, a Deed of Temporary Guardianship, and an Enduring Powers of Attorney. A Will is a legal document which sets out your wishes regarding the distribution of your property and care of any minor children. We have advised on, and drafted, Wills for our clients, which cater to their individual needs. When our clients have minor children, we advise them to also execute a Deed of Temporary Guardianship, in order to prevent the minor children not having a legal guardian during the time between the date of the death of both parents and the date of obtaining a Grant of Probate.
In addition to advising on estate planning upon death, our firm also assists clients to execute an Enduring Power of Attorney. An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document that sets outs the wishes of a person regarding his/her financial matters, in the event that he/she becomes mentally incapacitated, by appointing an attorney to administer and manage his/her financial matters.
Probate Matters
We are sympathetic to our clients’ loss of a loved one and we understand that this is a difficult time for our clients. Our team has considerable experience assisting clients with all aspects of probate in Hong Kong. Our firm has acted for clients located in Hong Kong and overseas in their applications for a Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration and resealing of a foreign Grant of Probate in Hong Kong.
An application to the Probate Registry of the High Court of Hong Kong for a Grant of Probate must be made by the executor appointed under the Will, when a deceased died leaving a Will, in order to administer and distribute the estate pursuant to the wishes of the deceased under the Will. An application to the Probate Registry of the High Court of Hong Kong for Letters of Administration must be made by the next of kin of the deceased, in order to become the administrator of the estate of the deceased, pursuant to the Intestates’ Estates Ordinance, if a deceased died without a Will.
In cases where a Grant of Probate has already been obtained in a foreign jurisdiction, our firm can assist the executor or administrator to reseal the foreign Grant of Probate or obtain a fresh Grant of Probate in Hong Kong, to enable them to administer and distribute the estate of the deceased in Hong Kong.
For any enquiries about wills and probate, please contact Ms. Jaerey Velasco at jaerey.velasco@paynevelasco.com
Why Choose Payne Velasco for Wills & Probate
Experienced Guidance Through Every Stage of Life
At Payne Velasco, we provide compassionate and comprehensive support in estate planning and probate administration. Whether you’re safeguarding your family’s future or managing the affairs of a loved one, our experienced team ensures every legal detail is handled with precision and care — giving you peace of mind during life’s most important moments.
Decades of Private Client Experience
Our team brings years of specialised practice in wills, guardianship and estate administration in Hong Kong.
Holistic Estate Planning Services
We cover everything from drafting your Will, Deeds of Temporary Guardianship, to Enduring Powers of Attorney.
Seamless Probate Administration
We assist with Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration and resealing foreign grants.
Cross-Border Capability & Local Insight
Whether your estate spans multiple jurisdictions or is wholly in Hong Kong, we integrate global perspective with local law.
Your Guide to Wills and Probate
Common Questions About Estate Planning & Probate
Get clear, straightforward answers to common questions about managing estates, planning ahead and protecting your loved ones.
Why is it important to have a Will in Hong Kong?
A Will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimising disputes among family members. It also allows you to appoint guardians for minor children and specify how your estate should be managed.
What happens if someone dies without a Will in Hong Kong?
If a person passes away without a Will, their estate will be distributed under the Intestates’ Estates Ordinance. This may not reflect their actual wishes. We assist next of kin in applying for Letters of Administration to ensure the estate is properly managed.
What is a Grant of Probate and who needs to apply for it?
A Grant of Probate is a legal document issued by the High Court of Hong Kong that authorises the executor named in a Will to manage and distribute the deceased’s estate. Our team guides executors through this process to ensure compliance and efficiency.
How can Payne Velasco help with cross-border estate matters?
Our lawyers regularly assist clients with estates that include assets in multiple jurisdictions. We can reseal a foreign Grant of Probate or apply for a new one in Hong Kong, enabling executors or administrators to lawfully manage local assets.
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)?
An EPA allows you to appoint a trusted person to manage your financial affairs if you become mentally incapacitated. This proactive step helps avoid financial complications and ensures your assets are managed according to your preferences.
When should I update my Will?
You should review or update your Will whenever major life events occur—such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or acquisition of new assets—to keep it accurate and reflective of your current situation.
Can Payne Velasco help if probate has already started overseas?
Yes. We assist in resealing foreign Grants of Probate so they are recognised under Hong Kong law, allowing executors to administer assets located here efficiently.