Wills & Estate

Our legal team helps clients to understand their legal rights and obligations pertaining to estate planning and will preparation. Our lawyers provide advice on minimizing tax implications and estate administration costs. Altus Chambers can also assist in drafting trusts and powers of attorney.

Altus Chambers also helps clients navigate through the probate process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that estates are distributed efficiently and effectively. Throughout the entire process, Altus Chambers Barbados maintains client confidentiality and ensures that the client’s wishes are always respected.

Altus Chambers handles probate and letters of administration. This involves the distribution of assets and debts of a deceased person according to their will or the Succession Act of Barbados. Our lawyers guide clients through estate matters, providing information on the legal requirements for obtaining probate or letters of administration, and helping them navigate the paperwork and court procedures.

To obtain probate under the Barbados Succession Act, the executor of the will must provide certain documents, including the death certificate and the original will if available. An application supported by an affidavit of the executor, must also be filed. Additionally, notice of the application must be given to the beneficiaries and the public. For letters of administration, the administrator of the estate must provide similar documents, along with a completed inventory of the deceased’s assets. Overall, we assist clients by ensuring that their legal obligations are met and their rights protected throughout the entire probate process.

The timeline for completing an application for probate or letters of administration in Barbados can vary depending on several factors. For example, the completeness and accuracy of the application can significantly impact the timeline. After submission of the application, the Probate Section reviews the documents to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Delays may occur if additional information or corrections are required. Lodging a caveat (a formal objection) or disputes among beneficiaries causes the process may become contentious. Resolving such disputes can extend the timeline significantly, sometimes taking several months to years, depending on the complexity of the case. In addition, court backlogs can also impact timelines.

The timeline for obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration in Barbados can vary depending on several factors. For example, the completeness and accuracy of the application can significantly impact the timeline. After submission of the application, the Probate Section reviews the documents to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Delays may occur if additional information or corrections are required. Lodging a caveat (a formal objection) or disputes among beneficiaries causes the process to become contentious. Resolving such disputes can extend the timeline significantly, sometimes taking several months to years, depending on the complexity of the case. In addition, court backlogs can also impact timelines.

Altus Chambers provides a range of legal services to clients in contentious estate matters. These include will disputes, trust disputes, claims under the Succession Act, disputes regarding the validity of wills, and breach of trust claims. Our team works closely with clients throughout every stage of the dispute resolution process, providing clear and straightforward advice and keeping clients fully informed of progress throughout. The ethos of Altus Chambers is to put the client first. By working closely with clients and providing proactive and pragmatic advice, we are able to achieve favourable outcomes in even the most challenging of disputes.