Estate legal services Kuching Sarawak

Kuching, Sarawak — Est. Legal Practice

Settling an estate takes care.
We handle the process with you.

From probate applications to contested family matters, Waris Merbau helps families in Sarawak understand what needs to be done — and works through each step at a pace that suits them.

+60 82 236 748
71 Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching

What We Handle

Three Areas of Estate Practice


Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration

Grant of Probate & Letters of Administration

Preparation and filing of the probate application where a will exists, or letters of administration where there is none. The office handles the schedule of assets, sureties, and court registry correspondence through to grant extraction. Typically five to eleven months, with waiting periods clearly separated from active work in every update.

  • Asset schedule preparation
  • Court registry correspondence
  • Clear timeline updates throughout
From RM 620 Enquire
Contested Estate and Family Provision Matters

Contested Estate & Family Provision Matters

Advice and representation where a will's validity is questioned, a beneficiary has been left out, or family members disagree about how an estate should be handled. The office sets out early what the evidence is likely to support and whether a negotiated arrangement would serve the family better than a contested hearing. Reviewed with the client every two months.

  • Will validity assessments
  • Pleadings and case management
  • Negotiated settlement guidance
From RM 385 Enquire
Estate Position Review

Estate Position Review

A single appointment reviewing what a family holds, what documents exist, and what steps are open to them — followed by a short written summary. Well-suited for families unsure whether anything needs to be done at all, and for beneficiaries wanting to understand their position before speaking with other relatives. The summary is written so it can be shared with the family without further explanation.

  • Document and asset review
  • Written summary provided
  • Suitable to share with family
RM 155 Enquire

Why Families Come to Us

What Sets This Office Apart


Sarawak-Specific Knowledge

Estate law applies differently in Sarawak. The office explains those differences plainly and accounts for them at every stage.

Fees Stated at the Start

Office fees and court or registry charges are set out separately from the first meeting, so a family knows what to expect before any work begins.

Waiting Time vs. Active Work

Every progress update distinguishes the time spent waiting on courts or registries from the time the office is actively working on the matter.

Whole-Family Communication

Written summaries and position notes are drafted so they can be passed to other family members without needing further interpretation.

Testate and Intestate Both Handled

Whether a will exists or not, the office explains which route applies and what the practical difference means for the family's circumstances.

Settlement Before Litigation

In contested matters, the office assesses early whether a negotiated arrangement would serve a family better than a hearing, and sets that out plainly.

Ready to Move Forward?

Not sure where to begin? An Estate Position Review is a good first step.

A single appointment — with a written summary you can keep and share — costs RM 155 and tells a family clearly what, if anything, needs to be done.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the difference between a grant of probate and letters of administration?
A grant of probate is issued when a valid will exists, authorising the executor named in the will to deal with the estate. Letters of administration are applied for when there is no will — the court then appoints an administrator, usually a close family member, to handle the estate under the rules on intestacy. The office explains at the outset which route applies and what the difference means practically for the family.
How long does the probate process usually take in Sarawak?
For straightforward matters in Sarawak, the process from engagement to extraction of the grant typically runs between five and eleven months. A significant portion of that time is spent waiting on the court registry rather than on active legal work. The office separates these two categories in every update it provides, so the family always knows where the matter stands and why.
Does estate law in Sarawak differ from Peninsular Malaysia?
Yes, in some respects. Sarawak has its own land laws and certain local enactments that affect how property is dealt with in an estate. The office accounts for these differences from the outset and explains where they are likely to have a practical effect on the family's matter.
What does the Estate Position Review involve?
The review is a single appointment at which the office goes through what the family holds, which documents exist, and what options are available. After the appointment, a short written summary is provided. The summary is written so it can be passed to other family members without needing further explanation from the office. The fee for this is RM 155.
How are fees structured, and what costs should I expect beyond office fees?
The office separates its own fees from court fees, registry charges, and any other disbursements. Both are set out at the start so there are no unexpected costs as the matter progresses. For contested matters, fees are reviewed with the client every two months as the scope of work can change depending on how the matter develops.
What should I bring to the first appointment?
It is helpful to bring the deceased's identity card, a copy of the will if one exists, any property title documents the family holds, and basic information about what assets the estate includes. If these are not all available, the appointment can still go ahead — the office will work with what is at hand and identify what else may be needed.

Find Us

Our Office Location

71 Jalan Tun Jugah, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak

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Contact Details


Address

71 Jalan Tun Jugah
93350 Kuching, Sarawak

Office Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

A jurisdiction note: estate matters in Sarawak may follow different rules from those in Peninsular Malaysia. The office will clarify this for your specific situation at the first appointment.

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