What We Offer
Three Services. One Area of Law.
Our services cover the most common estate and inheritance needs that Malaysian families encounter — each handled from start to finish by our team.
Back to HomeOur Approach
How We Approach Every Matter
Every engagement begins with a listening phase. We take time to understand your situation fully before recommending a course of action. This means our advice is always tailored to your actual circumstances — not a template response. We then work through the process methodically, keeping you informed at each stage and making sure the outcome is documented properly before we close the matter.
Will Drafting Service
A well-prepared will is one of the most considered steps a person can take for the people they care about. Our will drafting service involves a thorough consultation to understand your estate composition, family structure, and the conditions you wish to set — followed by the preparation of a legally sound document that satisfies the requirements of the Malaysian Wills Act 1959.
We cover executor appointment, guardianship provisions (where minor children are involved), specific bequests, residuary estate distribution, and any conditions you wish to attach to particular gifts. The final document undergoes an internal review before it is presented to you for signing, witnessed in accordance with the Act.
What This Service Includes
- Initial consultation to review your estate and wishes
- Drafting of the will document aligned with your instructions
- Internal review for legislative compliance
- Presentation and explanation of the final document
- Witnessing arrangement guidance
- One revision cycle included
Process Steps
Initial consultation — we discuss your assets, family situation, and specific wishes.
Drafting phase — your will is prepared and reviewed internally.
Review appointment — you read through the draft with us and raise any questions.
Finalisation — revisions are made and the will is prepared for execution.
Execution — the will is signed with appropriate witnesses in attendance.
Service Fee
RM 1,800
Who This Service Is For
This service is appropriate for any adult resident in Malaysia who wishes to set out clearly how their assets should be distributed after their passing. It is particularly relevant for those with property, business interests, minor children, or specific wishes that the standard rules of intestacy would not reflect.
Typical Timeline
Straightforward cases generally take between six and twelve months from the initial filing to the grant of administration. More complex estates or those with multiple beneficiaries may take longer. We provide realistic timelines specific to your matter at the outset of our engagement.
Letter of Administration Filing
When a person passes without leaving a valid will, their estate cannot be administered without a court order. The Letter of Administration is that order — and obtaining it requires a formal application to the High Court, supported by a specific set of documents and, in most cases, the arrangement of sureties and an administration bond.
Thornwell manages the entire process, from the initial assessment of your eligibility to apply, through to the filing of all required documents and the follow-up with the court. We also handle the surety and bond arrangements, which can otherwise be one of the most confusing aspects of the process for next-of-kin.
What This Service Includes
- Assessment of entitlement to apply for administration
- Preparation of all court application documents
- Assistance with surety identification and bond arrangement
- Court filing and follow-up on hearing dates
- Regular progress updates throughout
- Guidance on asset distribution after grant is obtained
Process Steps
Initial review — we assess the estate and confirm the appropriate application pathway.
Document preparation — court application documents are drafted and reviewed.
Surety and bond arrangement — we guide you through the requirements.
Court filing — all documents are submitted to the High Court.
Hearing and grant — we attend hearings as required and receive the grant on your behalf.
Service Fee
RM 5,300Inheritance Dispute Mediation
When family members hold different views about how an estate should be distributed, or when the interpretation of a will becomes a point of contention, mediation offers a structured path toward resolution — one that does not require court litigation and that tends to preserve family relationships better than adversarial proceedings.
Our mediation service is run by experienced mediators who understand the emotional and legal dimensions of inheritance disputes. Sessions are conducted in a neutral, private setting. We prepare each party separately before joint sessions begin, and any agreement reached is formally documented at the conclusion of the process.
What This Service Includes
- Separate pre-mediation preparation with each party
- Structured joint sessions with a neutral mediator
- Private sessions (caucuses) where helpful
- Documentation of any agreement reached
- Guidance on next steps if agreement is not reached
- Confidential process throughout
Process Steps
Initial assessment — we review the nature of the dispute and confirm suitability for mediation.
Pre-mediation preparation — individual sessions with each party to understand their position.
Joint session — structured dialogue facilitated by the mediator.
Agreement documentation — any resolution is recorded in a formal agreement.
Service Fee
RM 2,850
When to Consider Mediation
Mediation is worth considering whenever two or more parties have a genuine disagreement over estate distribution, will interpretation, or beneficiary entitlements — and when both parties are willing to engage in a structured discussion. It tends to be faster, less costly, and considerably less damaging to family relationships than court litigation.
Which Service Fits Your Situation
Service Comparison
Each of our three services addresses a distinct scenario. This table may help you identify which is most relevant to your current situation.
| Situation | Will Drafting | Letter of Admin | Mediation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning ahead for your estate | |||
| Loved one passed without a will | |||
| Family disagreement over estate distribution | |||
| Dispute over will interpretation | |||
| Administered by legal representative | |||
| Fixed, transparent fee |
Across All Services
Professional Standards We Maintain
Confidentiality
All client information and case details are held in strict confidence. Access is limited to the legal professionals directly handling your matter.
No Conflicts of Interest
We screen for potential conflicts before accepting any new matter. Where a conflict exists or could arise, we disclose it promptly and advise accordingly.
Document Accuracy
Every document is reviewed for accuracy and compliance before submission or execution. We do not rush preparation to meet arbitrary timelines.
Timely Communication
We commit to responding within one working day. For matters with court deadlines, we communicate proactively without waiting to be asked.
Fee Clarity
Fees are agreed upon before work begins. Any additional disbursements are discussed and authorised before they are incurred on your behalf.
Continuing Legal Education
Our team keeps current with changes to Malaysian estate legislation, court practice directions, and relevant case law to ensure our advice remains accurate.
Transparent Pricing
Service Fees
All fees are fixed and communicated upfront. Disbursements, where applicable, are discussed separately before being incurred.
Will Drafting
Per will document
- Full drafting and review
- One revision cycle
- Legislative compliance check
- Witnessing guidance
Letter of Administration
Per estate application
- Full court application
- Surety and bond assistance
- Procedural representation
- Ongoing progress updates
Dispute Mediation
Per mediation process
- Pre-mediation preparation
- Joint mediation sessions
- Agreement documentation
- Confidential process
Not Sure Which Service Applies?
Reach out and describe your situation. We will let you know which service fits — without any obligation to proceed.
Contact Our Team