OLN

Elder Law

婚姻与离婚如何影响香港的遗嘱和继承

by

婚姻和离婚是人生中的重要大事。在筹备婚礼的喜悦或经历离婚的困扰时，人们往往忽略法律在这些变化对遗产分配所产生的不同影响。

离世时无立遗嘱的影响

如果您在香港离世时没有定立遗嘱，您的遗产将按照无遗嘱继承法进行分配。您的资产将依次序分配给以下亲属：配偶和子女、父母、亲生兄弟姐妹、同父异母或同母异父的兄弟姐妹、祖父母、叔叔和姑姑，最后是政府。分配的方式和比例会根据个人的具体情况而有所不同。

如果您有配偶和子女，您遗产的首50万港元以及所有个人财物将归于您配偶所有。剩余的遗产将按以下比例分配：50%给配偶，25%给每位在世的子女。

婚姻对遗产分配的影响

除非遗嘱是在您结婚前所制定，否则之前所定立的所有遗嘱将在婚姻后自动失效。如果您在结婚前或签署结婚文件后未定立遗嘱，遗产分配将按照上述无遗嘱继承法进行安排。

离婚对遗产分配的影响

离婚程序，尤其涉及子女或其中一方或双方配偶拥有大量财产时，可能会持續多年，才能拿到最終判決。

在不幸的情况下，如果您在离婚程序结束之前离世，并且没有遗嘱，您的遗产将根据无遗嘱继承法进行分配，等于您的配偶会获得您遗产的一大部分。

如果您在开始离婚程序之前已立下遗嘱，但不幸在离结束决之前离世，您的遗产将按您的遗嘱条款分配，这通常意味着您的配偶会获得您的遗产。

我们不容忽视在结婚时或离婚程序开始之前制定或重新制定遗嘱的重要性。

第三方对遗产分配的影响

在配偶离世时，无论是否有遗嘱，婚外伴侣和婚外子女通常无权从遗产中获得份额。然而，他们可以根据《遗产（家庭和受抚养人供养）条例》（第481章）向法院申请获得遗产分配，尤其是当他们在已故配偶生前时曾经获得经济支持，他们也可以直接对现有的遗嘱提出质疑。只要拥有婚外伴侣的乙方仍然在世，就可以采取措施来防止这种情况发生。 如果您希望就如何管理您的财产进行保密讨论，或您的父母正面临或考虑临离婚、或婚姻中涉及第三方，请联系我们争议合伙人及长者法律部负责人赵君宜律师。

电邮：eunice.chiu@oln-law.com

电话：+852 2182 1885

手提，微信及WhatsApp：+852 9169 4356

超越迷信：在香港无遗嘱死亡的真实影响

by

在亚洲许多地区，讨论死亡和准备遗嘱仍然被视为禁忌，有些人甚至认为写遗嘱会带来厄运或不幸。这种抗拒意味着许多人从未考虑过，当他们在没有遗嘱的情况下去世时，遗产将受到《无遗嘱遗产条例》（第73章）和《非争议性遗嘱认证规则》（第10A章）「无遗嘱法」的管控 ，可能无法与他们的个人意愿相符。

在处理已故者的遗产之前，必须向法庭申请遗产承办书。以下人士有权作为申请者（按照优先順序排列）：

1. 配偶

2. 子女

3. 父母

4. 兄弟姐妹

5. 祖父母

6. 叔叔和阿姨

获授管理遗产授权书的人将成为管理员，负责根据法律处理遗产。管理员必须确定并收集已故者的资产，清偿未付的债务和开支，然后根据法律的规定分配遗产。一般来说，在无遗嘱的情况下，法律只允许你的配偶继承一半，你的孩子继承另一半。

除了能够确保您的意愿得到遵循之外，立遗嘱还有两个主要原因：

(1) 如果有遗嘱，从法院获得遗产承办管理书的过程要快得多（快几个月甚至几年）。

(2) 避免在您过世后，您的家人或亲密伴侣之间发生遗产诉讼。 优秀的遗嘱/遗嘱承办律师将能够计划一套遗嘱及其他文件，以避免那些认为自己曾经得到您经济支持的人基于与您曾经的密切关系向法院申请分享您的遗产。 香港法律允许享受过您的财务支持的人向法院申请分享您的遗产。

如果您想了解更多关于这方面的保障，请联络我们的合伙人，赵君宜律师 （+852 2186 1885 / +852 9169 4356）。

免责声明: 本文仅供参考。本文中的任何内容均不得诠释为香港法律建议或向任何人提供的任何与此相关的法律建议。对于任何人因本文所含的内容而造成的任何损失和/或损害，高李严律师行不承担任何责任。

入住香港安老院：不可忽视的法律与合约考量

by

2024年4月15日，消费者委员会发布了一份 重要報告，深入检视香港安老院的标准、费用及透明度。报告中揭示了多项问题，例如隐藏费用、不一致的护理标准以及含糊的合约条款。同时，报告也突显出一个更深層次的问题：含糊的合约条款及许多家庭选择安老院所涉及的法律和财务复杂性缺乏认知。

入住养老院，无论是政府补贴的还是私人的，都是一个重大决定，不仅涉及评估设施、人员配备和服务是否足够。合约的条款规范了从费用到护理服务以及作为住户的权利等一切事项。这一点在私人安老院尤为重要，因为家庭通常需要承担更多大的财务责任，所以必须更加谨慎地审视所签署的协议内容。

在本文中，我们将探讨在香港选择安老院时每个人都应该注意的主要法律和合同考量。

牌照与认证照

无论你考虑的是私人还是资助的安老院，第一步是确保该设施拥有合法牌照。在香港，所有安老院（RCHEs）均受《安老院条例》（第459章）规管，该条例为住宿、员工配置和护理服务设立了最低标准。

除了牌照外，还应考虑该安老院是否获得像香港认证服务（HKAS）等认可机构的认证。认证意味着该机构遵守更严格的标准，这可能会转化为更好的护理服务和更安全的环境。正如消费者委员会指出的，获得认证的安老院更有可能投资于持续改进。

费用：透明度至关重要

报告显示，私人安老院的费用差异巨大，从每月6,000港元到超过80,000港元不等。然而，这些数字往往不包括消耗品、医疗护理，甚至基本的空调费用等额外费用。因此，仔细检查合同并确保以下事项清楚明确是至关重要的：

  • 基本费用：清楚了解每月收费包含哪些项目
  • 额外收费：常见的额外费用包括医疗陪诊、特殊膳食需求或失禁用品如尿片。这些费用可能迅速累积，因此务必要求提供详细清单
  • 退款和押金政策：如果住户住院或选择提前离开安老院，未使用的费用是否会退还？许多合同对于退款有严格的规定，或者根本没有相关条款，因此这一点需要特别注意。
  • 费用调整：查看是否有允许调整费用的条款。虽然生活成本上涨是常见的，但合同应明确规定通知期限以及允许的涨幅百分比。

在私人安老院中，家庭需承担全部财务负担，因此费用透明度尤为重要。

护理服务：安老院能否满足不断变化的需求？

消费者委员会的一大关注点是安老院在应对住户健康状况变化时的灵活性有限。无论安老院提供的是基本护理、护理服务还是专门的失智护理，合同都应清楚列明可提供的服务以及如果护理需求随时间发生变化时的应对方式。

例如：

  • 该设施是否提供24小时全天候护理服务？
  • 如果住户出现行动问题或需要临终护理，会怎样处理？
  • 如果需要，安老院是否会协助安排转介至更高护理级别的设施？

私人安老院可能提供更具个性化的护理服务套餐，但这些通常需要支付相当高的费用。事先了解安老院是否能持续满足你亲人的需求，或者是否可能需要将其转介至其他设施，这是非常重要的。

终止政策

终止条款在不同的安老院之间差异很大，消费者委员会的调查结果显示，安老院在处理合同终止方面缺乏一致性。务必注意合同中有关以下方面的具体条款：

  • 自愿终止：如果你决定离开安老院，需要提前多长时间通知？退款政策是怎样的？
  • 安老院主动终止：在什么情况下安老院可以解除住户合同（例如，无法支付费用或健康问题无法处理）？
  • 驱逐程序：这些程序应与消费者保护法相符，以防止不公平或突然的驱逐。

私人安老院，可能会有更严格的条款偏有利于安老院，因此仔细审查这些条款至关重要。

争议解决：你的选择是什么？

许多合同中包含要求争议通过仲裁或调解而非法院诉讼解决的条款。虽然这些程序可能较为快速，比较昂贵，也可能会限制你采取法律行动的权利。确保合同中规定了清晰、公正和透明的解决程序，并了解像香港消费者委员会等资源，该机构可以调解争议并提供建议。

住戶權利：應注意的法律保護

根据《安老院（长者）条例》，住户有权享有基本权利，如隐私、尊严以及参与护理决策。私人安老院经常以提供“高端”服务为卖点，但这些基本权利不应该受到妥协。在审查合同时，确保它反映了对以下承诺的支持：

  • 医疗服务：现场医疗人员和紧急应对系统的可用性。
  • 安全与卫生：感染控制、清洁和定期健康检查的政策。

消费者委员会还鼓励家庭询问员工与住户的比例，因为较低的比例通常会带来更好的护理服务。

数据隐私与法律监护

消费者委员会强调，保护住户的个人和医疗信息至关重要，特别是在可能涉及外部服务的私人设施中。确保合同符合《个人资料（隐私）条例》（第486章），并包含有关资料共享或使用的明确指引。

如果住户有法律监护人或授权书，请确认安老院承认这些安排并尊重指定代表的决策权。

结论：保持知情，保障权益

消费者委员会的报告强烈提醒人们，在香港入住安老院是一个具有重大法律和财务影响的决定。

如果您想了解更多关于这方面的保障，请联络我们的合伙人，赵君宜律师，（+852 2186 1885 / +852 9169 4356）。

免责声明: 本文仅供参考。本文中的任何内容均不得诠释为香港法律建议或向任何人提供的任何与此相关的法律建议。对于任何人因本文所含的内容而造成的任何损失和/或损害，高李严律师行不承担任何责任。

A Review of In Vitro Fertilisation Regulations in Different Jurisdictions

by

(This article was published in the February 2025 Issue of the Hong Kong Lawyer)

In vitro fertilisation (“IVF”) has emerged as a cornerstone of assisted reproductive technology, offering hope to same sex couples, single people, couples facing infertility and/or mothers in high-risk pregnancies. With advancements in medical science, the procedure has become more accessible with increasingly higher success rates, yet the legal frameworks governing IVF vary significantly around the world. This article examines the legal landscape of IVF across a number of jurisdictions, highlighting key regulations, ethical considerations as well as societal implications.

The Rising Importance of IVF

The dawn of IVF began in 1978 with the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the world’s first “test-tube baby”. By 1982 when Brown’s sister was born, the latter was already the world’s 40th IVF baby. Since then, the procedure has evolved, becoming a common solution for men and women struggling to become parents due to various factors as diverse as age, medical conditions and/or lifestyle choices. Since 2001, the World Health Organization has recognised infertility as a significant global health issue affecting millions of people, estimating that worldwide, one of every six persons of reproductive age will experience fertility at some point in their lives; it emphasises the need for equitable access to reproductive technologies.

Jurisdictional Variations and Legal Considerations
Australia

Australia has established a comprehensive legal framework for IVF through the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee and the National Health and Medical Research Council. The Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2007 in New South Wales allows IVF for both medical and social reasons. Publicly supported and private IVF clinics may impose their own age limits on IVF patients. One of the stated objects of the legislation is to prevent the commercialisation of human reproduction – hence the sale of human embryos is not legal in Australia. If donated embryos are used in IVF, they must be donated as altruistic gifts, although the payment of reasonable expenses is allowed. Consent is also a critical component, requiring both partners to agree on the use of their gametes. In New South Wales, providers must seek the approval of the Secretary of the Ministry of Health if embryos over 15 years old are to be used.

Canada

In Canada, the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (“AHRA”) regulates IVF practices, emphasizing patient safety and informed consent. The Act permits IVF for medical reasons, while social IVF is less clearly defined. Storage of embryos is limited to a maximum of 10 years and public healthcare coverage for IVF varies by province, with some offering partial public funding or tax credits for IVF treatments. In the province of Ontario, for example, the government provides treatment for one IVF cycle for one patient per lifetime, provided the patient is a resident of Ontario under 43 years of age. The AHRA prohibits the sale of ova, sperm and/or embryos and specifically states that altruistic donations are in line with Canadian values.

Germany

Germany maintains a conservative stance on IVF. The Embryo Protection Act dates back to 1990 and prohibits egg donation, surrogacy, the creation of embryos for non-medical reasons and limits the number of embryos that can be transferred in one cycle. A few states offer subsidies for IVF to same sex couples and unmarried couples, but the vast majority of states only provide assistance to heterosexual couples. The outdated legal framework reflects societal values that have apparently evolved. The current German coalition government set up an expert commission which in April 2024 recommended legalising and regulating egg donation and making surrogacy legal in limited circumstances.

Hong Kong SAR

Hong Kong’s Code of Practice on Reproductive Technology & Embryo Research was published by the Council of Human Reproductive Technology in 2002 and also reflects conservative values. Since same sex marriage is not yet legally recognised in Hong Kong, couples in same sex marriages and single women are not yet able to access post egg freezing services leading to live pregnancies. Only altruistic IVF is allowed in Hong Kong – commercial surrogacy is not legal. A few public hospitals provide public IVF services to couples where the wife is a Hong Kong permanent resident under the age of 40 years with no biological children. Unfortunately, the waiting period for the initial IVF appointment could be up to three years.

Japan

Japan has seen a rise in IVF popularity – in 2021, 1 in every 11.6 babies born was an IVF baby. Yet legal support for IVF remains limited. The Act on Regulation of Human Cloning Techniques governs IVF practices, only allowing the procedure under strict regulations. Embryo storage is permitted, but the law emphasizes that embryos should not be created for non-medical reasons. Due to the declining birth rate, IVF and other infertility treatments were added to national health insurance in 2022 but are only available to married couples. There are no legal provisions regulating surrogacy in Japan.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers a progressive legal environment for IVF pursuant to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, which also established the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. IVF is permitted for both medical and social reasons, with no age restrictions for women, although clinics may impose their own policies. Public funding for IVF is available depending upon where a patient lives but typically reserved for couples facing medical infertility. Altruistic surrogacy with paid expenses is legal in the UK, but surrogacy agreements are not enforceable.

United States

In the United States, IVF and surrogacy laws are primarily regulated at the state level, leading to significant variations and a complex landscape. While many states have adopted supportive legislation for IVF and commercial surrogacy, others impose restrictions based on ethical or religious beliefs. Insurance coverage for IVF also varies widely, with some states mandating coverage for infertility treatments. In February 2024, IVF treatments came to a standstill in Alabama when the state’s supreme court ruled that frozen embryos should enjoy the same rights as children. Fertility providers paused IVF treatments for fear of prosecution for “wrongful death” in the event any embryos were destroyed during treatment. It was not until certain protections were carved out for fertility providers that IVF treatments resumed.

Conclusion – Ethical and Societal Implications

The legal frameworks surrounding IVF vary considerably across jurisdictions, guided by significantly different cultural, ethical and societal values. Issues such as embryo rights, consent and access to reproductive technologies are at the forefront of public discourse and legislation. 

Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Nothing herein shall be construed as Hong Kong legal advice or any legal advice for that matter to any person. Oldham, Li & Nie shall not be held liable for any loss and/or damage incurred by any person acting as a result of the materials contained in this article.

What to do if there is issue regarding Testamentary Capacity?

by

BACKGROUND

In our last article, ENSURING TESTAMENTARY CAPACITY FOR AGED AND INFIRM TESTATORS, we have discussed the importance of ensuring testamentary capacity for aged and infirm testators in the will-making process. The next issue then becomes: if we consider that there is issue regarding testamentary capacity, what should we do?

WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS ISSUE REGARDING TESTAMENTARY CAPACITY?

If your solicitor has concerns or doubts about your testamentary capacity, it is always advisable to instruct a medical practitioner to assess testamentary capacity. Whilst it is not necessary for the doctor tasked to be a specialist doctor with experience in diagnosing or treating of mental disorder or mental handicap or to be an Approved Doctor under s. 2(2) of the Mental Health Ordinance (Cap. 136), nevertheless, engaging a mental health expert, especially a psychiatrist, is always preferred and advised.

Usually, the psychiatrist will consider:[1]

1. Understand

Whether you are able to understand the information relevant to decision concerned:

  • Nature and purpose of the will
  • Risks and benefits of executing the will
  • Risks of not signing the will
  • Alternative and their risks and benefits

2. Retain

Whether you are able to retain the information long enough to make an effective decision;

3. Believe

Whether you are able to believe the information and to apply information realistically to own situation;

4. Weigh

Whether you are able to weigh the information in the balance to arrive at a choice – i.e. making a decision based on all the relevant factors (risks, benefits, short term outcomes, and long-term outcomes)

5. Express

Whether you are able to express the choice, through verbal or non-verbal means

If the psychiatrist considers there is testamentary capacity on the testator’s part, it is advisable to adhere to the “Golden Rule”, i.e. to have the psychiatrist to serve as a witness to your will.

HOW CAN OLN ASSIST?

At OLN, we provide initial consultation service regarding wills drafting. Our solicitors are experienced in assessing if the testator has the requisite testamentary capacity. In case of any issue, OLN can arrange mental health specialist doctor to assist in conducting an assessment for client to ascertain his/her testamentary capacity. If you have any questions on the above, please contact our Partner Mr Jonathan Lam or our Associate Mr Dexter Yuen.

[1] Dr. Gabriel B K Hung, “Framework for clinical assessment of mental capacity in older adults” (The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited, presentation material for HKMC Seminar dated 28th July 2013), available at https://www.hkmc.com.hk/files/page/82/2.%20Framework%20for%20clinical%
20assessment%20of%20mental%20capacity%20in%20older%20adults%20%20Dr.%20Gabriel%20Hung.pdf accessed at 3rd January 2025.


Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Nothing herein shall be construed as Hong Kong legal advice or any legal advice for that matter to any person. Oldham, Li & Nie shall not be held liable for any loss and/or damage incurred by any person acting as a result of the materials contained in this article.

Ensuring Testamentary Capacity for Aged and Infirm Testators

by

BACKGROUND

Population ageing has become a challenge to most metropolitans in the world. Similar to other developed economies such as the United Kingdom and Japan, Hong Kong is also facing a serious problem of aging population. The phenomenon of population ageing is expected to continue, with the median age of Hong Kong’s population estimated to reach 55.5 in 2046[1]. 

As a result, many people have become more open-minded about the discussion of those end-of-life issues, including will preparation and estate planning.

That said, before you rush to instruct solicitor to prepare a will, you must understand that you can only make a valid will when you have testamentary capacity.

But what does it mean to have testamentary capacity? How far does the assessment exercise go?

TEST ON TESTAMENTARY CAPACITY

The principles set out in the UK landmark authority of Banks v Goodfellow[2] remains the standard for determining testamentary capacity in Hong Kong. When being assessed on testamentary capacity, as a testator you must:

  • understand the nature of the act of making the Will and its effects;
  • understand the extent of the property being disposed of
  • comprehend and appreciate the claims to which you ought to give effect.

In Re Estate of Au Kong Tim (Wills: Validity),[3] the Court of Appeal of Hong Kong emphasised the importance of solicitors following this three-limb test, as well as referring to the checklist in the “Assessment of Mental Capacity: A Practical Guide for Doctors and Lawyers” (the “Checklist”) for assessing testamentary capacity.

THE CHECKLIST

According to the Checklist, the three-limb test is particularised as follows:

1. Understand the nature of the act of making the Will and its effects:

You should understand:

  • you will die
  • your Will shall come into operation on your death, but not before
  • you can change or revoke the Will at any time before your death, provided you have the capacity to do so

2. Understand the extent of the property being disposed of:

You should understand and make choices:

  • who should be appointed as executor(s) (and perhaps why they should be appointed)
  • who gets what under the Will
  • whether a beneficiary’s gift is outright or conditional (for example, where the beneficiary is only entitled to the income from a lump sum during his or her lifetime, or is allowed to occupy residential property for the rest of the beneficiary’s life)
  • that if you spend your money or give away or sell your property during your lifetime, the beneficiaries might lose out
  • that a beneficiary might die before you
  • whether you have already made a Will and, if so, how and why the new Will differs from the old one

3. Comprehend and appreciate the claims to which the testator ought to give effect:

Crucially, the judge in Banks v Goodfellow used the word extent, rather than value. There could also be practical difficulties when investments are managed by somebody else, and there are no recent statements or valuations.

In these cases, a reasonableness test should be applied by your solicitors to any estimate you give about the extent of your wealth.

You should understand:

  • the extent of all the properties owned solely by you
  • the fact that certain types of jointly owned properties might automatically pass to the other joint owner, regardless of anything that is said in the will
  • whether there are benefits payable on your death which might be unaffected by the terms of their will (insurance policies, pension rights, etc)
  • that the extent of your properties could change during their lifetime

4. Potential claim of others:

You should be able to comprehend and appreciate the claims to which you ought to give effect. As a testator, you have the right to ignore these claims, despite being up to the extent of being prejudiced or capricious. You must be able to give reasons for preferring some beneficiaries and, perhaps, excluding others. For example possible beneficiaries:

  • may already have received adequate provision from you
  • may be financially better off than others
  • may have been more attentive or caring than others
  • may be in greater need of assistance because of their age, or physical or mental disabilities

HOW CAN OLN ASSIST?

At OLN, we provide initial consultation service regarding wills drafting, as well as advisory work regarding testamentary capacity. Our solicitors are experienced in assessing if the testator has the requisite testamentary capacity. In case of any issue, OLN can arrange mental health specialist doctor to assist in conducting an assessment for client to ascertain his/her testamentary capacity. If you have any questions on the above, please contact our Partner Mr Jonathan Lam or our Associate Mr Dexter Yuen.

[1] Yiu, William and Ng, Kang-Chung, “Hong Kong going grey faster than expected, sparking fears over healthcare, calls for new retirement policies” (South China Morning Post, 17 August 2023), available at https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3231335/hong-kong-going-grey-faster-expected-sparking-fears-over-healthcare-calls-new-retirement-policies, accessed on 8 January 2025.

[2] (1870) LR 5 QB 549.

[3] [2018] 2 HKLRD 864.

Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Nothing herein shall be construed as Hong Kong legal advice or any legal advice for that matter to any person. Oldham, Li & Nie shall not be held liable for any loss and/or damage incurred by any person acting as a result of the materials contained in this article.