Probate, wills and estate lawyers in Montego Bay
Grants of probate and letters of administration, wills, powers of attorney and estate planning for families in Jamaica and abroad.
When someone dies, their property in Jamaica cannot usually be sold, transferred or released by banks until a grant has been obtained from the Supreme Court. Where there is a will, the executor applies for a grant of probate. Where there is no will, a family member applies for letters of administration.
We guide executors and families through the whole process with patience, and we help clients plan ahead with wills, powers of attorney and trusts so their own families are spared avoidable difficulty.
Probate and letters of administration
We prepare and file the application with the Supreme Court, including the oaths, inventory of the estate and supporting documents; advertise the application where required; respond to any queries from the Court; and, once the grant is issued, collect the assets, pay debts and taxes and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries.
- Grants of probate where there is a will
- Letters of administration where there is no will
- Estates with property in Jamaica where the deceased lived abroad
- Transferring land to beneficiaries and selling estate property
- Releasing bank accounts, shares and other assets
- Calculation and payment of transfer tax on death
Wills
A properly drawn will lets you decide who inherits your property, who manages your estate and who looks after your children. It also makes probate faster and cheaper for your family. We prepare wills that comply with the Wills Act, keep them in safe custody if you wish, and review them when your circumstances change through marriage, divorce, children or new property.
Powers of attorney
A power of attorney allows someone you trust to act for you, for example to sign documents for a property sale while you are abroad, or to manage your affairs if you become unwell. We prepare general and limited powers of attorney, arrange their registration and advise on how to sign them if you are outside Jamaica.
Trusts and estate planning
For clients with property in more than one place, a family business, or children who are minors, we advise on trusts, joint ownership and other arrangements so that assets pass smoothly and as you intend.
Estate disputes
Where there is disagreement over a will, an executor's conduct or how an estate is being distributed, we advise beneficiaries and personal representatives and, if necessary, represent them in court. Our aim is to resolve family disputes without lasting damage to relationships wherever possible.
Questions clients ask
How long does probate take in Jamaica?
It varies with the size of the estate, whether there is a will and how quickly documents can be gathered. Many applications take a year or more from filing to grant. Having complete documents from the start is the best way to avoid delay, and we tell you exactly what is needed.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Jamaica?
Their estate is distributed according to the Intestates' Estates and Property Charges Act, which sets out which relatives inherit and in what shares. A family member must apply to the Supreme Court for letters of administration before the estate can be dealt with.
My relative lived abroad but owned land in Jamaica. What do I do?
Property in Jamaica is dealt with under Jamaican law, so a Jamaican grant is usually required even if the person lived and died overseas. We can advise whether a grant issued abroad can be relied on and handle the Jamaican application for you without you travelling.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will?
It is not compulsory, but homemade wills are often found to be invalid or unclear, which leads to delay and disputes. A will prepared by an attorney is far more likely to work as you intend.
Talk to an attorney about your matter
Consultations in person in Montego Bay, by phone or by video call.