Awards and Recognition
We are proud to be nominated as the top finalists of "Matrimonial and Family Law Firm of the Year" and "Malaysia Law Firm of the Year" by ALB (Asian Legal Business) Law Awards 2017, 2018 and 2019 for Malaysia and South East Asia.
Application for Small Estate Distribution Order
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Losing a loved one is never easy. On top of grief, family members may also need to deal with the deceased’s house, land, bank accounts, vehicles, shares, EPF-related matters, insurance, or other assets.
At Low & Partners, we assist families in preparing and managing Small Estate Distribution Applications in Malaysia, so that the estate can be distributed to the rightful beneficiaries in a proper and orderly manner.
Small estate distribution in Malaysia is governed mainly under the Small Estates (Distribution) Act 1955, which deals with the administration and distribution of small estates.
What Is a Small Estate?
A small estate generally refers to the estate of a deceased person that includes immovable property, such as land, house, apartment, shoplot, or other registered property with total values less than RM 5millions.
You may contact our lawyers to determine whether the estate falls within the small estate jurisdiction and whether it should proceed through the small estate distribution process.
Our Small Estate Services
Low & Partners can assist you with:
- Initial Case Assessment
We review the deceased’s assets, family structure, documents, and whether the matter is suitable for small estate application.
- Document Preparation
We assist in preparing and organising all the required documents.
- Filing of Application
We assist you to file the small estate application and help ensure that the application is properly prepared before submission.
- Preparation for Hearing
Once the application is processed, a hearing date will be fixed. All relevant parties stated in the hearing notice are generally required to attend. If a required heir cannot attend, we assist to apply the waivers of attendance.
- Distribution Advice
We advise on the distribution of the estate, whether by legal entitlement or by mutual agreement among all lawful beneficiaries, where applicable.
For Muslim estates, distribution is based on Faraid / Hukum Syarak. For non-Muslim estates, distribution is generally based on the Distribution Act 1958, unless there is a valid will or other applicable legal consideration.
- Post-Order Follow-Up
After the Distribution Order or Letter of Administration is issued, we assist with the next steps, including registration or transfer of immovable property at the relevant Land Office / PTG, and dealing with institutions holding movable assets.
Why Engage a Lawyer for Small Estate Matters?
Although small estate applications are commonly filed through the official government system, many families still face difficulties such as:
- Delay & difficulty in following up the government departments
- Unclear list of beneficiaries
- Missing or incomplete documents
- Disagreement among beneficiaries
- Property still charged to a bank
- Deceased had assets in different states
- Uncertainty over distribution shares
- Heirs living overseas or unable to attend hearing
- Old land titles or uncompleted transfers
- Confusion & Lengthy administrative process.
Our role is to help families understand the process, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and move the matter forward in a structured manner.
Common Documents Required
Please prepare the following, where applicable:
- Death certificate of the deceased
- NRIC / passport of applicant and beneficiaries
- Marriage certificate of the deceased
- Birth certificates of children / heirs
- Land title / strata title / grant
- Official land search
- Assessment bill / quit rent / parcel rent
- Bank statements
- Vehicle registration card
- Share / unit trust / ASNB documents
- Insurance-related documents
- Any previous court order or estate document
- Any written agreement among beneficiaries, if available
Do not worry if some documents are missing. We can advise you on the next step.
Related Solutions
Malaysia Wills, Probate & Estate Administration
Will Writing
Application for Grant of Probate
Application for Letter of Administration
Estate Administration & Distribution
Resealing of Probate & Letter of Administration
Will, Probate and Estate Disputes
Media Interview
Astro: Probate and Letter of Administration
Press Interviews
Consumer Awareness (The Edge): Will-Writing Mistakes To Avoid---21/01/2019---Click Here
Personal Wealth (The Edge): Ensure Sufficient Liquidity To Settle Liabilities---18/06/2018---Click Here
The Star: Will Making on the Rise --- 28/09/2014 --- Click Here
Sin Chew Daily: Leaving a Loving Legacy by Writing a Will --- 22/09/2014 --- Click Here
What Our Clients Say
Resolve All The Issues
To say I am satisfied with Low & Partners services is an understatement. My father’s estate was delayed for quite a long time due to some issues before we engaged Low & Partners, and I am so glad to have them assisting me and my family to resolve all the issues.
Professional, Responsive & Responsible
The legal team handling my file is professional, responsive and responsible.