Easier Access to Small Inheritances

Saint Lucian citizens can now access small inheritances with greater ease, through the government’s measures aimed at simplifying the process for individuals receiving inheritances from deceased loved ones.

With the recent amendment to the Administration of Small Successions Bill, the threshold has been elevated from $5,000 to $50,000, eliminating the need for court appearances or legal representation.

Now, land, vehicles, appliances, and other assets can be transferred simply with a letter from the Registrar. This important bill was enacted during a recent parliamentary sitting.

“If someone dies without a will and possesses property or a vehicle valued at over $5,000, they would traditionally have to obtain Letters of Administration and navigate complex court procedures,” PM Pierre stated during the parliamentary session.

He emphasized that many citizens find these processes prohibitively expensive, and the government is committed to alleviating this burden.

Local Government Minister and MP for Central Castries Richard Frederick expressed strong approval of the amendment, highlighting its positive impact on thousands of Saint Lucians who will no longer incur costly legal fees.

Equity and Social Justice Minister Joachim Henry reinforced this sentiment, asserting, “This initiative will encourage parents to feel confident that if they have $8,000 in the bank, it won’t be a challenge for their children to inherit it without losing a significant portion to legal costs.”

MP for Choiseul, Bradley Felix, also acknowledged the significance of this change, stating that it will reduce inquiries and ease the difficulties families face during the loss of loved ones.

Furthermore, Frederick proposed that the committee consider increasing the threshold from $40,000 to $50,000, reinforcing the need for continued advancements in this area.