How We Work
Our Approach to Estate Matters
Every matter handled at Pusaka Cendana begins with the same question: what does this family actually need? The answer depends on the size and structure of the estate, whether there is a will, and whether any nominated assets or jointly held property complicate the picture.
Not every situation requires full legal representation. Some estates are straightforward enough for the family to proceed directly through the public trustee or the relevant land office. Where that is the case, the office says so — including at the initial consultation.
Where legal work is required, the office follows a documented stage process for each service. Clients are given a written plan at the outset and receive updates at each milestone. No file goes more than six weeks without a communication from the office.
All three services below are handled by lawyers who work exclusively in estate law. The depth that comes from that focus is the most consistent advantage we can offer to families navigating an unfamiliar legal process during a difficult period.
Service 01
Complete Estate Administration
From RM 645
The office administers an estate from beginning to end — obtaining the grant of probate or letters of administration, identifying and gathering assets, settling liabilities, and distributing to beneficiaries with a full account at the close. Families are given a written stage plan at the outset and updates at each milestone. The service covers correspondence with banks, land offices and insurers, and coordination between family members who may live in different states or abroad.
What Is Included
- Grant of probate or letters of administration
- Asset identification and valuation
- Liability settlement with creditors
- Land title transfers at state registries
- Correspondence with banks and insurers
- Distribution account to all beneficiaries
Process Steps
Initial assessment and instruction letter
Grant application to the High Court
Asset identification — banks, land, insurance, EPF
Liability settlement
Distribution and closing account
Timeline: 9–18 months ordinarily; longer where land title or foreign assets involved
Request This ServiceService 02
Will Drafting & Estate Planning Review
From RM 430
Preparation of a will together with a review of how existing nominations, jointly held property and trust arrangements will interact with it — so a family is not left with conflicting documents. The service includes discussion of executors, guardianship of minors and how personal effects are dealt with. Two meetings and one revision round are included, and the signed original is stored with the office at no further charge. Ordinarily completed within four weeks.
What Is Included
- Drafting of a legally valid Malaysian will
- Review of EPF, insurance and unit trust nominations
- Executor and trustee appointments
- Guardian appointment for minor children (if applicable)
- One revision round
- Secure storage of signed original
Process Steps
First meeting — instructions and review of existing documents
Draft will prepared and sent for review
Second meeting — revisions discussed and finalised
Execution in the presence of two witnesses
Original stored with the office
Timeline: Completed within four weeks
Request This Service
Service 03
Initial Estate Consultation
RM 175
An hour with a lawyer to work out what needs to be done after a death, which documents to locate, and whether a full administration is required at all. The office will say plainly where an estate is simple enough for the family to handle themselves through the relevant public administrator. The client receives a written checklist and a note of what was discussed, and may take as long as they wish before deciding how to proceed.
What Is Included
- One-hour meeting with a specialist lawyer
- Assessment of what the estate involves
- Guidance on which institutions to notify
- Written checklist of documents to locate
- Note of matters discussed
- Candid view on whether legal representation is needed
Process Steps
Appointment booked — no waiting period required
One-hour meeting at our Damansara Heights office
Written summary and checklist provided within two working days
Family decides next steps at their own pace
No obligation to engage further services after the consultation
Book a ConsultationChoosing a Service
Which Service Is Right for You?
| Situation | Consultation | Will Drafting | Full Administration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Someone has just died and you do not know where to start | — | — | |
| The estate includes land titles or significant bank assets | — | ||
| You want to prepare a will and ensure nominations align | — | — | |
| Beneficiaries are spread across different states or abroad | — | ||
| You are not sure whether you need a lawyer at all | — | — |
Not sure which applies to your situation? The initial consultation will clarify it.
Standards
Across All Services
Bar Registration
All work carried out by registered Malaysian Bar practitioners
Strict Confidentiality
All estate details held under solicitor-client privilege
Written Agreements
Fees and scope agreed in writing before any work begins
Indemnity Insurance
Professional indemnity maintained under LPA 1976 requirements
Fees
Service Fees
Initial Consultation
RM 175
- One-hour lawyer meeting
- Written checklist
- Meeting notes provided
- No obligation to proceed
Will Drafting
From RM 430
- Two meetings included
- One revision round
- Nominations review
- Original storage included
Estate Administration
From RM 645
- Grant application
- Full asset collection
- Liability settlement
- Distribution account
Not sure which service applies to your situation?
An initial consultation at RM 175 will clarify exactly what is involved and whether professional representation is needed.
Arrange a Consultation