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THE LAW OF SUCCESSION ACT (cap 160 of the Laws of Kenya)

THE LAW OF SUCCESSION ACT (cap 160 of the Laws of Kenya). TYPES OF GRANT By Lady Justice M.A. Ang’awa, Judge of the High Court of Kenya 2005. Types of Grants. There are different types of grants. 3.1 Grant of Probate 3.2 Grant of letters of Administration with

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THE LAW OF SUCCESSION ACT (cap 160 of the Laws of Kenya)

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  1. THE LAW OF SUCCESSION ACT (cap 160 of the Laws of Kenya) • TYPES OF GRANT By Lady Justice M.A. Ang’awa, Judge of the High Court of Kenya 2005

  2. Types of Grants There are different types of grants. • 3.1 Grant of Probate • 3.2 Grant of letters of • Administration with • will annexed • 3.3 Grant of Probate or • “Oral will”.* • 3.4 Grant of letters of • administration intestate. • 3.5 Resealing of Grant of Probate or • Grants letters of administration. • 3.6 Limited Grant –ad colligenda bona defuncti. • 3.7 Limited Grant – Grants for special purposes.

  3. 3.1 Grant of Probate A B Forms Form P.A 78 (petition). • Form P & A 3 (affidavit) • the original will plus 2 photocopies of the will & original death certificate. C PROCEDURE – Grant issued P & A 45

  4. 3.1 Grant of Probate A The deceased died having written a will & named the person to be in charge of his affairs (executrix/executor). The said person named is to apply for the grant of probate unless he refuses or declines to do so.

  5. 3.1 Grant of Probate Procedure • If all documents are in order the file is placed before the Hon.Judge by the deputy registrar. It is given orders to have the matters advertised in the Kenya Gazette. If no objections are raised before 30 days, letters of grant Probate is issued with a copy of the will attached. Grant issued by Court (P & A 45). • Period of 6 months is given for the parties to confirm the said grant. • Accounts need to be submitted within 6 months after the confirmation of grant.

  6. 3.2 Grant of letters of administration with Will annexed. A B Forms Form P & A 79 (petition). • Form P & A 3 (affidavit) • the original Will plus 2 photocopies of the Will & original death certificate. C PROCEDURE – Grant issued P & A 43

  7. 3.3 Grant of Probate of Proof or Oral Will. Oral Will and Dies within 3 months Person Under customary Law. Gives The Beneficiary can apply for Grant of Probate, for proof of oral Will. Grant issued by Court (P & A44)

  8. 3.4 Grant of Letters of Administration Intestate A Any person may apply for grant of letters of Administration intestate. Priority is given to a survivor and in the order of Consanguinity (i.e. wife, husband, children, parents etc). Person dies Having not written a will.

  9. 3.4 Grant of Letters of Administration Intestate 3.4.1 General Basic Situation A B Forms the following forms should be filed. Form P & A 80 (petition). • Form P & A 5 (affidavit) • Form P & A 11 (affidavit of justification of proposed sureties) • Form P & A 12 (affidavit of means) • Form P & A 57 (guarantee of personal sureties) • Death Certificate (mandatory). C PROCEDURE – Grant issued P & A 41 Refer to 3.1

  10. 3.4 Grant of Letters of Administration Intestate 3.4.2 Widow or a widower – adult children as survivors. A B Forms the following forms should be filed. Form P & A 80 (petition). • Form P & A 5 (affidavit) • Form P & A 12 (affidavit of means) • Death Certificate (mandatory). • Form P & A 38 (Consent form). C PROCEDURE – Grant issued P & A 38a Adult children are required to give their consent to the widow/widower. Refer to 3.1

  11. 3.4 Grant of Letters of Administration Intestate 3.4.3 Widow or a widower – with minor children as survivors. A B Forms the following forms should be filed. Form P & A 80 (petition). • Form P & A 5 (affidavit) • Form P & A 12 (affidavit of means) • Form P & A 11 (affidavit of justification of proposed suits) • P & A 57 (guarantee of personal sureties) • Death Certificate (mandatory). C PROCEDURE – Grant issued P & A 41Minimum of two persons must apply for the grant to create a continuingtrust. See section 58 of the Act. Refer to 3.4 (b)(I)

  12. Points to Note • Section 84 deals with continuing trust where there is a life interest. • Section 56 (1) (b) – The total number of persons to apply for grant of letters of administration intestate should be four. • Rule 7 (8). Any of the four could swear an affidavit.

  13. 3.5. Resealing (rules 42 (2) DIES abroad but has property in Kenya A 3.5.1 Foreigner A grant is applied in his country Foreign Grant is filed in the High Court of Kenya for Resealing. Normal procedure including gazettement takes place.

  14. 3.5 Resealing (rules 42 (2) DIES abroad his domicile determines where he should apply for the grant. A – 3.5.2 Kenyan If he generally resides in Kenya but dies abroad then the grant would apply in Kenya. Important note – The Commonwealth Countries allow applications for resealing in any of of its countries. Normal procedure including gazettement takes place.

  15. 3.5 Resealing (rules 42 (2). A B Forms the following forms should be filed. Form P & A 81 OR P & A 82 (petition) • Form P & A 7 (affidavit) • Certified copy of the grant issued by foreign country. C PROCEDURE – Grant issued by court (P & A 81). The grant from Foreign country is filed. The file is minuted. The notice to the Kenya Gazette is issued. If there are no objections then letters are issued. A grant given by the High Court can be used in the foreign courts for resealing.

  16. 3.6 Limited Grants A • In order to ensure that estate does not go to waste an applicant can apply for a limited grant. • Grant of administration ad colligenda bona defuncti. Under section 67 rule 36.

  17. 3.6 Limited Grants A B Forms the following forms should be filed. P & A 85 (petition) P & A 19 (affidavit) Copy of death certificate (where signature endorsed by the applicant is required). C Procedure – Grant issued (P & A 47).

  18. 3.7 Grants for Special Purposes • Grants can be issued for special purposes. • These grants are as follows: 1) Probate Limited to purposes specified 2) Administrator Pendente lite 3) Grant of letters de bonis non.

  19. 4 Who Is Entitled to A Grant? The persons are entitled to apply for a grant are:- i) Persons who have been appointed in a will as executors. ii) Persons who are NOT a minor, of unsound mind or bankrupt. • Any person can apply for a grant but priority is given to spouses, children, parents according to the degree of consanguinity. Not more than 4 people apply at once.

  20. 5 Objections Section 68 & 69 (1) All Grants once applied for must be advertised in the Kenya Gazette Within 30 days (i) Objection filed in triplicate to the court. No objections received By the courts Letters of Grants issued. (ii) Objection entered into a register by the register rule 17 (12)

  21. 5 Objections Section 68 & 69 (1) (iii) Registrar – Step 1 - The registrar sends a notification in Form P & A 61 to applicant (proposed administrator). Or alternatively he may send a copy of the objection by post to the applicant’s address.

  22. 5 Objections Section 68 & 69 (1) (iii) Registrar – Step 2 - The registrar sends a notification in Form P & A 67 to objector requiring the objector to file an answer to the petition by way of cross application rule 17 (5) If no objection has been filed the answer and cross petition, the court may proceed as if no objections has been raised (see section 69 (1) 70 & 71.

  23. 5 Objections Section 68 & 69 (1) (iii) Registrar – Step 3 – DIRECTIONS The registrar refers the matter to court for directions once all the requisite paper has been filed. Step 4 – Judge gives directions as to who is entitled to start during the trial. Step 5 – Registrar notifies both parties (petitioner & objector) of the time & place set for hearing, of the petition, answer & cross applications. The dispute is then determined (see section 69 (2).

  24. Important Note • Objections may be withdrawn, by way of a notice to withdraw. Form P& A 66 (rule 17 (7)) • Any objector – may amend his objections by lodging an amended answer & cross application. A copy is required to be served on the petitioner.

  25. 6 Confirmation of a Grant A After 6 months has expired from the date a grant has been issued, that grant may be confirmed if there is no objective pending rule 40 (1). • B Forms • Where a grant has been issued for a Will. • Form 108 (application). Form 8 (affidavit). • (ii) Grant for letters of administration with Will annexed. • Form 108 (application) • Form 8 (affidavit) (iii) Grant of letters of administration intestate. Form 108 (application) Form 9 (affidavit)

  26. 6 Confirmation of a Grant • Note • Before 6 months are up a grant may be issued in certain circumstances section 71 (3). • Form 109 (application) • Form 8 & 9 (affidavit) (Whichever is applicable).

  27. 6.2 Grant letters of administration intestate. Parties must be disclose the apportionment of each survivor entitled to the estate. A list of all the beneficiaries, names, ages and Relationships must be disclosed see rule P & A 40 (3) (a, b) (4).

  28. C Procedure Step 1 –Forms filed, date taken in registry. Applicant appears before Hon Judge. Consent its confirmation of grant may be field in certain cases Form 37 Dispensing attendance of parties to court. Step 2 – Hon Judge or Magistrate whatever the case confirms grant.

  29. 6.2 Grant letters of administration intestate. Protest • Rule 15 • Rule 40 • A - A person wishes to be informed when a grant is to be confirmed, he/she would file a caveat rule 15 (1) Form P & A 28. Caveat recorded in a book/register. On the day the matter comes for confirmation of grant the Registrar notifies the applicant

  30. 6.2 Grant letters of administration intestate. Notifies the applicant in Form P & A 111. Warning of the making of the consent. Applicant requested to file form 10 if he wishes to object to confirming of the grant. If form 10 is not filed, grant is confirmed on receipt of P & A 37 – being consent of all parties.

  31. 6.2 Grant letters of administration intestate. If P & A is filed Court orders directions to be taken in chambers on notice Form 74 to applicant.

  32. 6.2 Grants of Administration Intestate. • In a magistrates court – Procedure of directions is not taken, but the file is placed before High Court who determines the protest on its behalf.

  33. A - Protest At the time of hearing the application for confirmation of grant would be read to the parties. The protest would also be read to the parties. If parties are in agreement & satisfied – the grant may be confirmed. If parties are not in agreement the High Court hears the full evidence of the parties. 6.2 Grants of Administration Intestate.

  34. Section 76 rule 44 (A) Once grant has been confirmed, no objections or protest may be filed. Only options – revocations (with exception). (B) Forms P & A 107 (application) P & A 14 (affidavit) (C) Procedure Applicant files Form 107 & P & A 14 in the High Court. On receipt of application being filed, the Registrar issues Form P & A 70 (notice) to the applicant (who is seeking revocation) to attend the judge exparte. 7 Revocation

  35. Applicant takes dates & appears before a Judge for directions exparte. Judge directs which persons should be served with the application (Form 107, 14). These person are those normally efficient by the revocation. The mode of service such persons (personal or otherwise) including the manner of efficiency such service. Applicant wishing to revoke grant then serves the persons named with Form P & A 107 & 14 and a notice under 68. Each person served may fill an affidavit stating whether they support or oppose the application and the grounds for so doing. All affidavits are filed by parties named to the proposed revocation. Registrar – gives notice to all concerned to appear before High Court for hearing. The Court, on the day set down for all parties to appear, may determine the application or make such orders that it deems fit. 7 Revocation Note: High Court on its own mention may revoke grant rule 44 (5). If it does so, a notice in Form P & A 69 must be issued & served on the persons concerned, before revocation is done.

  36. Section 76 Where proceedings obtained were defective in substance.76 (a) Grant obtained fraudulently. 76 (b) Grant obtained by means of untrue allegations or facts. 76 (c) Person whom the grant was paid to, failed to apply for confirmation of grant within one year or to proceed to produce inventory or accounts of the administration of grants as required under section 38 (e), (g) Section 76 (d). Reasons for Revocation

  37. (a) What happens if the person entitled to apply for a grant fails to do so? Any applicant may apply but the procedure is by way of a citation signed by the registrar and supported by an affidavit. (b) Forms (I) Where there is a Will P & A 31. (II) Where there is no Will P & A 32. (III) Creditors P & A 36. Procedure Step 1 - Service of citation done on the citor with a copy of the form duly sealed. (Method of service is as directed as per the registrar). Step 2 – Persons cited once served is to enter appearance within 15 days. Step 3 – If no appearance has been entered, applicant citor may petition for grant. Step 4 – in the alternative summonses to be taken out or notices to such person cited to take out the grant or by other person. NB Proof of services required. Once application for citation is granted. The letters of administration is applied in the normal way. 8 CitationsRule 21, 22, 23

  38. Purchaser (a) Public trustee has prior rights over an estate over a creditor. Creditor/purchaser asks consent of public trustee to apply for letters. If consent is granted purchaser and creditor may prove the estate owes them money by attaching a sales agreement. Purchaser/creditor applies for grant of letters by serving citations on all the beneficiaries. 8 CitationsRule 21, 22, 23

  39. All applications for grants must be accompanied with a death certificate. The consolidated practise rules states “a death certificate must accompany any application for probate or letters of administration. (a) If the application is not made by an advocate (b) If the death took place outside Kenya. (Section 118 presumption of death, must be made formerly in the civil courts. 9 Death Certificate

  40. (a) All survivors must be notified of the probate. (b) Survivors may renounce the estate whether testate or intestate. Forms P & A 98 to 102. Procedure Renounciation is filed. No retraction is permitted at a later stage. 10 RenounciationRule 18

  41. (a) Rectification may be made before a grant is issued. (b) Forms P & A 62 (Notice) Filed in original application. No affidavit required. (c) Procedure Notice served on objector Where there are no objectors or amendments are minor. Registrar may permit amendments without notice to any parties. Rectification after a grant has been issued, with or without a confirmed grant. Section 74 rule 43. Forms P & A 110 summons for rectification of grant. P & A 13 (affidavit) (Unless exempted by the registrar). Procedure – Application placed before court without delay. Court makes order as rectification of grants. Alternatively, court may direct notices to issue to all parties first, including applicant to attend court. NB – In both cases of rectification the procedure is administratively in the first instances. Rectification of Grant Rule 14 (1)

  42. Appeals lie from the Magistrates' court to the High Courts. The decision is final. Muslims’ estate can appeal to the Court of Appeal on a point of Law, but with leave of the Court (Section 50 LN 21/90. 12 AppealsSection 50

  43. Where there is no one to administer the estate of the deceased, the public trustee after 6 months takes over the administration by placing a notice in the Kenya Gazette. After an expiry of such notice the public trustee applies for a grant in the same procedure as applied in the act as for other litigants. 13 Public Trustee

  44. 14 Trust Companies • Trust companies are provided for!

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