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<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on April 23, 2025, 7:59 am</div><div id="pl-4919" class="panel-layout">
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A recent High Court ruling, <em>In re Estate of Raphael Charles Makokha (Deceased) [2024] KEHC 12277 (KLR)</em>, sheds light on the complexities of estate administration and the importance of precise estate planning. This case serves as a critical reminder for anyone involved in probate or preparing for the future.
<h4><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Key Lessons from the Ruling</strong></span></h4>
The court’s decision highlighted several pivotal issues, including the dissolution of civil marriages, the emergence of a will during intestacy proceedings, and property transfers post-death. However, one principle stood out: <strong>before a grant of probate can be confirmed, the deceased’s assets must be accurately identified and verified.</strong>

In this case, the Judge refused to confirm the distribution of most of the estate because, apart from a single motor vehicle, none of the listed properties were registered in the deceased’s name. This underscores a vital truth: <em>not everything a person “owned” during their lifetime forms part of their estate.</em>
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<blockquote><strong>Not all assets are part of an estate.</strong> Understanding what qualifies is crucial for smooth estate administration.</blockquote>
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<h4><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>What Doesn’t Form Part of an Estate?</strong></span></h4>
Several types of assets may not be included in a deceased person’s estate, including:
<ol>
 	<li><strong>Jointly owned property:</strong> Passes directly to the surviving co-owner through the right of survivorship.</li>
 	<li><strong>Company shares:</strong> May be subject to shareholder agreements that dictate their fate upon death.</li>
 	<li><strong>Trust assets:</strong> Typically excluded as they are held in trust, not owned outright.</li>
 	<li><strong>Lifetime gifts (gifts inter vivos):</strong> Assets gifted during the deceased’s lifetime are not part of the estate.</li>
 	<li><strong>Nominated assets:</strong> Pensions or insurance policies with nominations often bypass wills or intestate succession.</li>
</ol>
<h4><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Practical Takeaways</strong></span></h4>
Whether you’re an executor, personal representative, or planning your own estate, the <em>Makokha</em> ruling offers actionable insights:
<ol>
 	<li><strong>For personal representatives:</strong> Before applying for probate or seeking confirmation of a grant, consult a legal professional to verify the nature and ownership of each asset. Missteps can delay or derail the process.</li>
 	<li><strong>For individuals planning their estate:</strong> A will is just the beginning. Effective estate planning requires a clear understanding of what you own, how it’s held, and how it will be transferred after your passing.</li>
</ol>
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<blockquote><strong>Take control of your legacy.</strong> Proper estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are spared unnecessary complications.</blockquote>
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Adapted from: <strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mahnaazmohamed_willsandprobate-intestacy-estateplanning-activity-7320336987184406528-fLr_?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAEqxS24Bwe1__3Wpiz4er65tKCWwJTwl-3Q">Mahnaaz Mohammed</a></strong>

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