Service Enquiry : 6419-9999 WhatsAPP OK (Henry Chung, Partner, Solicitor, Civil Celebrant of Marriage)
Notary Public Hotline: 6888-9999 WhatsAPP OK
Civil Celebrant of Marriages: 8209-9999. For WhatsAPP: 94899800. 

 In this legal website, you may find useful law information on areas:

• real property & conveyancing laws
• notary public and China attesting services
• personal insolvency law practice: bankruptcy, IVA & DRP
• laws of negligence on personal injuries
• marriage laws: appointing civil celebrant of marriages to get married in Hong Kong www.hkm.mobi
• change of surname or name $500 only for same-day pick up.
• making a valid will according to Hong Kong laws i.e. Wills Ordinance
• fee information on some low cost legal services
• addresses on our 17 law offices.

What is a will?

A will is a legal document you use to leave property to close family members, friends, or charities. In your will, you name beneficiaries to inherit your property, an executor to wrap up your estate, and guardians to care for your young children. You can set up a trust for money inherited by children. You can also forgive debts owed to you and state how you want your debts, expenses, and taxes to be paid.

What can I do with a Will?

With a Will you can:

• Name beneficiaries (and alternate beneficiaries) to inherit your property.
• Name a guardian to care for your young children.
• Create a trust or a custodianship and choose an adult to manage your children's
• State how your debts, expenses, and taxes are to be paid.
• Name an executor to carry out the terms of your will.

How much does a Will cost?

$1000 to $3000 depending on complexity.

What information do I need to make my will?

It will be easier to make your will if you have gathered some information first:

• a rough inventory of your property (but if you plan to leave everything to one or a few people, you can skip this)
• a list of beneficiaries -- that is, the people who will get your property
• a list of alternate beneficiaries -- the people who will inherit your property if your first-choice beneficiary dies before you
• if you have young children, a list of your first and second choices for guardian
• a list of your first and second choices for executor

How long will it take to make my will?

You could make a very basic will in just a few minutes. But a will is an important document; don't rush. Put aside an hour or two to think about your wishes and make your will.

When do I pay?

When you have decided to instruct us to prepare the will and given us your instructions on its content.

What do I do with my completed will?

We shall give the completed will to you after you have signed it and witnessed by two witnesses provided by us. Store this original document in a safe place, such as a bank safety box.

Can I make copies of my completed will?

It's fine to give a copy of your will to your executor or other loved ones for informational purposes.

Do not sign more than one copy of the will. Doing so creates more than one original document and could cause confusion after your death.

What other estate planning documents might I need?

In addition to a will, you might consider making: a living trust (whose main advantage is to avoid probate court proceedings after your death) and a power of attorney (to allow a trusted person to arrange your affairs if you can't).

Is it safe to make a will without a lawyer?

Home-made wills are common in Western countries. Because a will is a very important document, a will prepared by a lawyer will be more safe. It is cheap and convenient to prepare a will in Hong Kong.

Is a simple will enough for me?

It's always fine to make a simple will. Simplicity will create the least uncertainty. But there are some situations in which you may need more than a simple will and should get expert advice or, at the least, investigate your options. For example:

• If you anticipate family fights, see a lawyer for advice on how to stave off bad feelings and legal battles.
• If you want to set up a long-term trust for a child with special needs.

In the event we can no longer care for ourselves it is important to have in place a method of ensuring that those people we trust the most have the power to look out for our best interests. 

A Power of Attorney grants those people we trust the most, the power to do this.  It is the legal step that grants important powers to ensure that the care, welfare and administration of your financial and legal affairs are managed by those you most trust. 

Preparing these documents well in advance assists you and your family to prepare for your future care.  It also may avoid conflict between loved ones as you have set a clear path for your care.

Very often, a Power of Attorney is prepared for disposing a real property. This will enable you to sell the property without your physical presence. The attorney will sign the documents such as agreement and assignment for you. You must find a lawyer to prepare a Power of Attorney and handle its execution. Buyer does not accept invalid or doubtful Power of Attorney.

Beneficiary: Person entitled to receive assets from a testator/testatrix's estate.

Bequest: Specific item left to someone under a Will - e.g. an item of jewelry, a painting, etc.

Estate: Term used to generally describe testator/testatrix's possessions, assets and affairs on death.

Executor: Male person appointed to handle the testator/testatrix’s affairs on death. Female person appointed is called Executix.

Legacy: Amount of money left to someone under a Will. Person left an amount of money under a Will is called Legatee.

Residue: Remainder of assets once any specific bequests, legacies, expenses, etc have been paid. More often, it is called Residuary Estate.

Testator: Male person making a Will. Female person making a Will is called Testatrix.

Trustee: Another term used for the Executor holding assets in trust for a beneficiary of the Will.

A Will is a legal document which records your intentions as to who receives your assets, who will manage your affairs and who will look after your children after your death.  If you do not have a Will at the time of your death, the above matters will be determined according to the laws of intestacy (i.e. having no wills). The manner of distribution under the "no-will" laws may not match your intentions.

When to Make a New Will ?

An existing will can be replaced by a new will. People make a new will because of the following possible reasons:-

• having just got married. Marriage revokes all earlier wills. No will may be needed.
• separation with the spouse, divorced or spouse's death.
• having a new child.
• having a big fortune e.g. inheritance, mark-six lottery winning.

Esate Duty Abolished

Estate duty (inheritance tax or death duty) has been abolished in Hong Kong. Succession planning nowadays has become simpler. Legacies are not subject to Government tax unless a transfer of beneficial interests not within the scope of the laws of succession.

Wills are not just for senior citizens.  Wills are particularly important to parents who wish to provide their own children security. Children can be clear who will be taking their care should their parents or guardians come to an untimely death.

Some people do not have any obvious dependants. A Will can avoid the Government taking control of assets on his demise.

Simplest succession planning is by preparing a will. Our lawyers are in a position to carry out such a simple task. However, there many be some other related issues such as the dealing of assets in joint names, the freezing of assets before probate is granted. Our lawyers can provide you with up to date and timely advice on preparing your will and succession planning so that the assets are distributed according to the will. 

• estate agent practising in Hong Kong must be licensed. But it is easy find one who is licensed
• the appointment can be made in a way of "single agency" (i.e., the agent represents only the buyer) and “dual agency” (i.e. the agent represents both the buyer and the vendor)
• estate agent will sign with you an estate agency agreement.
• before signing you should understand the various terms, including validity period of the Agreement (usually 3 months) and agreed commission paid by buyer and seller (usually 1% each BUT the amount or % is negotiable) and other special terms of the Buyer (if applicable)
• ask for a receipt upon paying a fee

Buyer can confirm the following property information by search on the Internet, real estate agents, developers and the current owner and when necessary seek the service of a conveyancing lawyer:

• Name of current property owner and his/her ownership right
• Property age, gross area and saleable area of the property
• Information of area and environment surrounding the property
• Current property situation(owner occupied or leased)
• Current usage of the property: whether the use of the property is specified as residential
• Rates, Government rent, property maintenance cost and management fee,etc.
• Illegal structure (e.g. altered balcony) and maintenance order
• Consult the bank if the property can be mortgaged

Key elements to be considered when choosing the property:

• Property value and affordability
• Property location and information of area surrounding the property
• Property age
• Size and property type
• Quality of building materials 
• Developer, property management and security control
• Uncompleted flat or completed flat (first hand or second hand)
• Environment, transportation, public facilities, school network and future development of the area
• Resale value of the property

Human being face sickness, aging and death. Dementia can result in loss of ability to judge or decide one's affairs.To plan ahead for the financial, psychological and legal impact of dementia or other forms of mental incapacity, one may think about using an enduring power of attorney (shortly known as "EPA").

The Enduring Powers of Attorney Ordinance (Cap.501 of the Laws of Hong Kong) permits a person's making of an EPA with legal effect surpassing a General Power of Attorney. An EPA allows its donor (the person giving his/her power of attorney to someone), while he/she is still mentally capable, to appoint an attorney to take care of the donor’s financial matters in the event that he/she subsequently becomes mentally incapacitated.

A General Power of Attorney will cease to be effective automatically if one become mentally incapacitated. An EPA will, however, “endure” the donor’s mental incapacity and give the attorney of the power to continue the donor’s financial affairs despite the incapacity.

The laws on enduring powers of attorney are contained largely in the Enduring Powers of Attorney Ordinance(Cap.501 of the Laws of Hong Kong).

Because creating an Enduring Power of Attorney has a serious implications upon its maker (donor), it requires the witnessing of a practising solicitor and a medical doctor. As it is a legal document with serious meaning, a person desiring to make an EPA must consult a practising solicitor experienced in this area of legal practice.

If you've been in a car accident, you need a car accident lawyer. Our car accident lawyers will advise you on your rights and can help you make your car accident claim. You may make a preliminary assessment on your car accident here.

Question 1: Were you involved in a car accident?

In order for us to file a successful car accident claim on your behalf, you must have been involved in and injured by a car accident. You may have been the driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another person injured by the negligence of someone driving a car or other motor vehicle.

Question 2: Were you injured in a car accident?

It is important that you were injured in the accident. If you were uninjured or just had some bruises, your lawsuit may belong to a small claim at the Small Claims Tribunal. Lawyers are not entitled to represent you in a small claim.

However, if you sustained serious injuries because of the accident and you required hospitalization and/ or ongoing medical care, or if you've become permanently disabled due to the accident, you may have a valid legal claim against the driver and owner of the vehicle.

Question 3: Was the car accident the result of the driver's negligence?

Failure to use reasonable care while driving a motor vehicle amounts negligence. Determining who was at fault in a motor vehicle accident means figuring out who was negligent, and thus responsible for causing the accident. Negligence is often indicated by disobeying traffic signs or signals, failure to signal when turning, failure to follow the speed limit, or driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. If your injuries are the result of a driver's negligence, you are more likely to have a solid claim.

Common Examples of Driver's Negligence

‧Cutting in front
‧Failing to watch blind spots
‧Inattentive drivers
‧Playing squeeze drive
‧Aggressive drivers
‧Drink and drive

HOTLINE FOR FREE CLAIM EVALUATION: 6419-9999

Here is what not to do if you have been injured in an accident:

• Do not wait to file your insurance claim.
• Do not wait to file a police report and retrieve a copy.
• Do not settle with insurance companies without legal advice. It is the business of insurance companies to try to minimize monetary settlements. Some adjusters will visit you in the hospital. Many have been trained to express sympathy while noting comments that could potentially damage your case.
• When speaking to doctors or any healthcare practitioners, tell them when you feel physical pain. Avoid speculating about the extent or severity of your injuries. Your medical records are admissible as evidence in your case.
• Do not wait to gather contact information and/or statements from witnesses to your accident. Witnesses are most effective when they are still emotional and your accident is fresh in their minds. Memories fade, people move away or simply decide that they are no longer interested in helping with your case.
• Be extremely suspicious of anyone who tell you don’t need a lawyer.
• Reject the help of any so-called "claims recovery agent". They aim at sharing a huge amount of your compensation without too much work.
• You need to retain a reputable personal injury lawyer if you hope to receive a fair monetary settlement for your injuries.

HOTLINE FOR FREE CLAIM EVALUATION: 6419-9999

• Brain Injury and Brain Damage
• Broken Bone Injuries
• Fractured Bone Injuries
• Head and Skull Injuries
• Herniated Disc / Orthopedic Injuries
• Paralysis Injuries
• Spinal Cord and Lumbar Injuries
• Other serious injuries

Your basic claims are:

• Lost Wages
• Medical Expenses
• Trauma
• Pain & Suffering.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a caraccident or if you have suffered a serious personal injury of any kind where a third party may have been at fault, you need to act decisively and consider a personal injury lawyer.

We urge you to retain a reputable personal injury lawyer immediately. Your lawyer will protect your case.

What you should do if you’ve been injured in an accident:

• Retain a reputable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
• Get a copy of the police report.
• If you have been hospitalized, keep the medical records and reference.
• If your car accident involved multiple vehicles, get insurance information from all drivers.
• Get licence plate numbers, driver’s names and addresses of all parties involved in your accident.
• Secure names and addresses of all relevant witnesses to your accident. If possible, take statements from them immediately. Do not wait to gather your witnesses. Talk to them while they are still emotionally involved in your potential case. Memories fade, people move away or simply decide at a later date that they do not want to be involved.

CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES HOTLINE: 6419-9999 (Henry Chung)

Our lawyers provides legal services to everyday home-sellers and home-buyers. More than 10 colleagues specialize in various aspects of conveyancing and land related matters. Because they do not spend any time and effort on handling high-profile sale of properties by big developers at present and in the past, our lawyers are highly experienced in sale, purchase and mortgage of second-hand properties. They have experienced the ups and downs of Hong Kong’s extremely volatile property market in the past 20 years and can therefore advise property clients on a wide range of legal issues relating to sale, purchase, redemption and mortgage of real properties in Hong Kong. To serve the home-owners at the local community level, we have set up 5 sub-offices over Hong Kong: Mongkok, Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Shatin and Yuen Long. Home sellers and home-buyers can have access to our legal service on real property transactions with extreme ease and convenience.

BARGAIN SERVICES: REMORTGAGE ($4500), REDEMPTION ($1500).
Note: exclusive disbursements e.g. land registration fees.

ENQUIRY HOTLINE: 6419-9999

Civil Celebrants of Marriages solemnize your legal marriage

We have over 20 lawyers who are appointed Civil Celebrants of Marriages. They may provide marriage solemnization services on a legally recognised marriage held in Hong Kong. Places may include the wedding halls at our offices, hotel ballroom or restaurant.  Many wedding couples come to us by reason of our easy access and nice wedding hall decoration. Those having the wedding gone through at our office premises may just wear casual dresses attended by their closest friends and relatives. Of course, many also choose to have a more formal wedding. They dress in wedding dresses, exchange wedding rights etc. In any event, grooms will kiss the brides and make vows to each other. We issue you a valid and legally recognised Marriage Certificate/License immediately after the signing ceremony.

11 decorated wedding halls as your choice

Our civil celebrants handle hundreds of weddings each month and have handled thousands of weddings in the past. They are well experienced and familiar with the entire process.  Intending marrying couple can attend one of our 14 offices during office hours without the need of making a prior appointment. They may sign the notice of intended marriage on the same day. Because the entire process is handled by us, they need not line up at the Government's Marriage Registry. Nor they have to compete for "red lucky" days. You have 11 decorated wedding halls as your choice.

Marriages celebrated at our  offices during office hours is $1900 (lowest) in total. Couple has to pay additionally if wedding held at non-office hours and if either of them is under 18. For no commitment and free enquiry, please call 82099999. 

Outdoor Sky Garden in Mongkok

Romantic, Rare and Economical ！ Low Fee: $2200. RESERVE NOW by Mobile/WhatsAPP 94899800
This is unprecedented as it is an outdoor wedding hall locating at the urban centre in Mongkok Kowloon. We call it a ＃Sky Garden.

To reserve, please call or WhatsApp 94899800.

Charges: weekdays office hours $2200. For indoor wedding halls, the charge is $1900 ONLY.
Saturday afternoon, Sundays or Public Holidays $2900.

Fees have included use of the hall and marriage registration. All are inclusive of Government fees of $305.

Marriage site: HongKongMarriageRegistration.com

In March 2002, Yip, Tse & Tang launched a new debt legal service serving the needs of Hong Kong debtors. The service is known as Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) which is a statutory alternative to bankruptcy under the laws (Bankruptcy Ordinance). IVA is a debt restructuring scheme and has the benefit of avoiding bankruptcy.

IVA is a 'win-win' debt solution to creditors and debtors. Some debtors, such as civil servants, well-paid managers or professionals don't like bankruptcy. IVA applicants can be credit card debtors or undischarged bankrupts. The firm has teamed up with skilled debt analyst and experienced certified public accountant to provide this legal service.

LOW AND AFFORDABLE LEGAL COST

IVA applicants are only required to pay $2,000 as initial legal cost to start with a repayment proposal. Our IVA legal service is built upon the solid foundation we have acquired in our bankruptcy legal service. Our lawyers are experienced in communicating with banks and finance companies. That facilitates our early reach of a compromise repayment plan between debtors and creditors

TRACK RECORDS: MORE THAN 1200 IVA APPROVED

By April, 2008, our lawyers have over 1,200 IVA legal applications approved by banks and finance companies.

LOWER LEGAL COST AND MORE EFFICIENT OPTION: DRP

Some debtors may be suitable for Debt Relief Plan (DRP). Unlike IVA, DRP are not legal proceedings. DRP is achieved by private negotiations with banks and finance companies. Comparing with IVA, DRP is inexpensive and more efficient. However, not all debtors are suitable for the DRP solution.

ENQUIRIES:

Alan Wong, Personal Insolvency Department
Tel : 6419-9999 (Holidays as usual)

Since August 2001, our lawyers have represented more than 10,000 debtors in filing their self-bankruptcy petitions with Courts in Hong Kong.

The reputable web-site on personal bankruptcy applications (Chinese) www.Broke.com.hk has been featured by over 10 local and international newspapers or magazines, including Reuters, BBC and Le Monde. Our lawyers of the personal bankruptcy team have also been interviewed by TVB, ATV, Cable TV, RTHK, Commercial Radio and MetroRadio Broadcast on debt or bankruptcy subjects on many occasions.

Self-bankruptcy in many situations may be the best option to solve one's debt problems.

English website : HongKongBankruptcy.com

OUR LOW LEGAL FEE

$14500, inclusive our legal fees, Court fee and Official Receiver's deposit

Alternative to Bankruptcy: debt relief plan (DRP)

If you do dont wish to go bankrupt, you may find you suitable for debt relief plan (DRP): check out at 9DRP.COM. We have handled over 2000 debt restructuring cases since 2002 (DRP or IVA).

ENQUIRIES

Henry Chung, Personal Insolvency Department
Legal Service Hotline : 6419-9999 (Holidays as usual)

Our lawyers represent a large number of workers or employees in claiming against employers on their negligent liability under Hong Kong laws. We also represent a large number of victims in traffic accidents in legal proceedings against negligent drivers.

• Compensation for employees under the laws of Employees' Compensation Ordinance.
• Our lawyers have a track record of having handled more than 700 claims on personal injuries (under the common laws of negligence and under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance).
• Claims against negligent drivers' legal liabilities under the common laws of negligence.

ENQUIRIES:

Henry Chung, Personal Injuries Claims Department
Legal Service Hotline : 6419-9999

• Consent Divorce : below $5000
• Self Bankruptcy: fixed fee $14,500 (Court fee and Offical Receiver's deposit included)
• Real Estate Transactions: Sale, Purchase and Mortgage of local properties: $4,500-$8,000 (for value not exceeding $8,000,000)
• Deed Poll for change of name: fixed fee $500
• General Power of Attorney:$1500
• Special Power of Attorney: $1500 up
• Simple Will: $1000
• Wedding Civil Celebrant: $1900 (at our 10 law offices