FAMILY LAW – DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS – ILLEGITIMATE CHILD

A had mistress and a wife; both of whom had given birth to a child each. A died without a will. Can the child of the mistress be entitled to succeed and inherit A’s property under the Distribution Act 1958?

  • Distribution Act 1958 (“DA 1958”) applies when a person dies without a will. This is called intestate in law.
  • When A dies intestate leaving a spouse and issue but no parent or parents, spouse is entitled to 1/3 and the issue the remaining 2/3.
  • If there are parents, then parents 1/4, spouse 1/4 and the issue shall be entitled to 1/2.
  • This is set out in Section 6 of the DA 1958.

Is the illegitimate child entitled to succeed and inherit A’s property?

  • Yes. Section 6 of the DA 1958 uses the word “issue” and not “child”.
  • Section 6 of the DA 1958 did not state only legitimate child could inherit the property of the intestate.
  • The Federal Court in Tan Kah Fatt & Anor v Tan Ying [2023] 2 MLJ 583 held the words “child” and “issue” are different.
  • Although child is defined as “legitimate child” in Section 3, Section 6 of the DA 1958 on distribution uses the word “issue” and not child.
  • The dictionary meaning of the word issue suggest descendants by blood lineage. Not dependent on the matter of legitimacy of the descendant.
  • As long as the child of the mistress is a descendant by blood lineage, he/she is entitled to inherit the property of A under the DA 1958.

(Case in Point: Tan Kah Fatt & Anor v Tan Ying [2023] 2 MLJ 583)

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