A widow and eldest daughter were ordered to return withdrawn funds after losing a legal dispute over inheritance.
SINGAPORE – The High Court has ruled that the $4 million estate of late doctor Khoo Boo Kwee, who passed away in 2021, will be distributed equally among his four children as stipulated in his 2012 will. This decision came after a legal battle initiated by Dr. Khoo’s widow and eldest daughter, who claimed sole ownership of the funds.
Disputed Ownership of Bank Accounts
In November 2019, following a liver cancer diagnosis, Dr. Khoo added his widow, Evelyn Ng, and eldest daughter, Patricia Khoo, as co-account holders to two bank accounts. They argued that this addition demonstrated his intention to gift them the funds.
However, the High Court found this claim inconsistent with Dr. Khoo’s 2012 will, which specified an equal division of the accounts’ funds among his four children.
Legal Rationale and Judgment
Justice Lee Seiu Kin highlighted that the addition of co-account holders was likely intended to facilitate withdrawals for medical expenses, not to transfer ownership. Key evidence included:
Amendments to Dr. Khoo’s will in November 2019, which reaffirmed the accounts as part of his distributable estate.
The absence of any will modification to remove the accounts from assets meant to be divided equally.
The judge ordered Ms. Ng and Ms. Patricia Khoo to account for the withdrawn funds, which had been transferred to their personal accounts, and repay the amount owed to the estate.
Background and Legal Battle
Dr. Khoo, a retired general practitioner, created his will in 2012, detailing the division of his assets, including:
Shares, a car, and cash.
Two bank accounts held with UOB and POSB.
Proceeds from his Siglap property, to be shared among his widow and children if sold.
After his passing in January 2021, disputes arose over the bank accounts. In 2022, his younger children, Katherine and Joyce Khoo, filed a lawsuit against their mother and eldest sister, seeking recognition of the accounts as part of the estate.
Implications for Estate Planning
The case underscores the importance of clear and consistent updates to wills. Justice Lee emphasized that Dr. Khoo’s organized approach demonstrated his intent to uphold the 2012 division plan, refuting the widow and eldest daughter’s claims.
This judgment highlights the complexities of inheritance disputes and the necessity for transparent legal documentation in estate planning.
