Probate process in Thailand

[gardenmama]

Any idea how long it would take to probate a property and what is the process?

A little background first..

My parents own a house in Bangkok. My father passed away in 2004. I am now needing to sell the house in order to finance my mother's nursing home cost here in the States. She is unable to help me due to her dementia. The property is in both their names. He has a will that states that the property goes to mom upon his death. We haven't gone through probate yet.

I am going to Bangkok in September to see what I need to do. I was hoping to work with a probate lawyer who can get the process rolling from here so we can see some progress by the time I arrive. How long does it takes to get a court hearing date?

Am hoping that forum members can provide some thoughts/suggestions even law firm referrals.


Thank you kindly

[khonrai]

Hi

Just a few questions
I assume your parents are Thai.
why didn't the house transfer to your mother when father died in 2004.

Was the will recorded in thailand or USA

why wait so long.

who has been takeing care of house in Bangkok ?

Do you have any idea what the property is worth?

Can any of your Parents relatives in Thailand Help?
or will there be infighting about the property.

If your mother has dementia do you have power of attorney for her ?

YOU will need good international attorneys in both countrys and it won't be cheap.

I would start with attorney in your own city to get the ball rolling. ASAP

good Luck

[gardenmama]

Hi Khonrai,

Yes, my parents are Thai citizens. My dad had two wills, one Thai and one U.S. His Thai will was typed up and signed with two witnesses' signatures who are not heirs. I am hoping that the will is valid so it will be straight forward. As executor of my dad's estate (US will), I did go through probate for his US property but didn't think that I would need to probate the property in Thailand (not familiar with Thai law). We also had other problems to attend to in the States so that took priority.

My aunt who was listed as the executor in his Thai will didn't say anything about probate. I presume that in order to begin the probate process we would need to submit the Thai will and his death certificate to the court. Since I have the will with me, I doubt that the probate process have ever been initiated.

The property is currently being managed by my aunt and is rented out. No idea on how much the property is worth. I do have a U.S. power of attorney for my mom but not in Thailand. I am planning to go ahead on my own to get this situation resolved.

Anyone had experience with the law firm of Chaninat & Leeds? I do speak and read Thai enough to get by.


Thanks