REFORM INHERITANCE (FAMILY PROVISION) ACT 1966 TO ALLOW EXTENSION OF LEGAL DUTY OF NATURAL PARENT TO MAINTAIN AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD AFTER DEATH

In 2009, the Singapore Court of Appeal rendered a decision in which it held that the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1966 cannot be interpreted as allowing for the extension of the current legal duty of a natural parent to maintain an illegitimate child to continue after his or her death. It also urged Parliament to seriously consider making the necessary reforms to enable an illegitimate child to claim for maintenance under the Act. 12 years later, there has been no landing reached on this matter. Hence, I asked the Minister for an update on the matter. In his reply, he stated that the review had taken some time due to resource constraints. He also said that further updates will be provided when the studies are completed. My PQ and the Minister’s response may be accessed below.

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Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Law whether the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1966 will be reformed to allow the extension of the current legal duty of a natural parent to maintain an illegitimate child to continue after his or her death such that his or her estate will continue to be liable to discharge that duty.

Mr K Shanmugam: The Ministry of Law has been studying possible reforms to the Inheritance (Family Provision) Act 1966.

This has taken some time, due to resource constraints.

We will provide further updates when the studies are completed.