Estate denotes the movable and immovable property someone processes during his/her lifetime. As a result, estate administration is strongly related to all the procedures of gathering and distributing assets and debts of the decesead to his/her beneficiaries. In Cyprus, all matters related to administration of estates are regulated by the Administration of Estates Law (Cap. 189) and the Probates (Re-Sealing) Law (Cap. 192). Note that the rules under these Law are read together with the Wills and Successions Law (Cap. 195). For more information about the successions and wills regulations read our article Successions and Wills in Cyprus and EU.
In case a person dies without leaving a will or he/she is not able to administer his/her estate then the court grants a “letter of administration” to an individual, the “administrator”, in order to administer such an estate. On the other hand, if the testator wishes that a specific person administers his/her estate and states this provision in his/her will, on proof of the will, the court will grant the administration of the estate of the deceased to that person (the “executor”). It should be pointed out that the instrument in writing issued by the court declaring that the will has been duly proved and that the administration of the deceased’s estate has been granted to an executor is called “probate”. It should be taken into account that the most important roles in the procedures of administration of estates are played by the probate registrar, the court and the personal representative (executor or administrator).
Section 17 of Cap.189 underlines that in granting administration, the court should take into consideration the rights of all persons interested in the estate of the deceased person or the proceeds of the sale. Specifically, administration with the will annexed may be granted to a devisee or legatee in one of the following ways[1]:
a) If a person died intestate as to his/her estate, administration should be given to one or more individuals interested in the residuary estate of the deceased, given that they file an application for the purpose;
b) In case of insolvency of the estate of the deceased or any other particular circumstances, it appears to the court to be necessary or appropriate to appoint as administrator some person other than the person who, but for this provision, would by the law have been entitled to the grant of administration. The court may in its discretion, notwithstanding anything in this law, appoint as administrator such person as it considers expedient and any administration granted based on this provision may be limited in any way the Court thinks fit.
In addition, the provisions of section 18 of Cap. 189, underlines that administration with will is granted in one of the following cases:
a) If no executor has been appointed;
b) If the executor appointed in the will has died in the life-time of the testator or after his/her death without proving;
c) If the executor has renounced, or been cited by the usual process of the Court, and not appeared;
d) If the appointment of an executor is invalid;
e) If the Court exercises the discretion given to it under section 17;
f) If the executor is incompetent because of his/her minority, lunacy, or other disability;
g) If the executor resides out of the jurisdiction.
Number of Personal Representatives:
Under the provisions of section 23 of Cap. 189 probate or administration shall not be granted to more than four individuals concerning the same property. In addition, if there is a minority issue or if a life interest emerges under the will or intestacy, then the probate or administration shall be granted either to a public officer (with or without another person) or not to less than two individuals.
In case there is only one personal representative, not being a public officer, then, during the minority of a beneficiary or the subsistence of a life interest and until the estate is fully administered, the Court, on the application of any person interested or of the guardian/administrator/ receiver of any such person, appoints one or more personal representatives in addition to the original personal representative according to probate rules and orders.
Our Services:
The lawyers of Michael Chambers & Co. LLC are able to provide you an adequate legal support on family law matters, such as administration of estates, successions and wills regulations, etc. If you wish to speak to one of our lawyers in absolute confidence, then please contact us: info@chambers.law
[1] Administration of Estates Law (Cap.189)
