Legal battle over Hong Kong tycoon Lim Por-yen’s HK$2.9b estate set to rumble on

A 15-year legal dispute over the substantial estate of late Hong Kong tycoon Lim Por-yen is expected to persist, following a recent ruling by a Hong Kong court that granted part of the inheritance to Lim's third wife and children. Lim, who passed away in 2005, had left most of his assets to his first two wives and children, excluding those from his third marriage. The case has seen both sides preparing for further legal action after the initial loss in court.

Lim's daughter, Pearl Ling Meng-chu, daughter of his third wife Koo Siu-ying, has not ruled out pursuing additional legal measures. Her spokesman stated that she is currently reviewing all available options. Ling, also known as Pearl Lam, is the daughter of the conglomerate Lai Sun Group founder and his third wife. The estate sought validation of a purported 2004 will, but this was dismissed by a court ruling last year, citing the tycoon's severe dementia at the time of signing.

The probate lawsuit began in 2011, with Ling and Koo each lodging a caveat to assert their interest in Lim's estate. The court invalidated the 2004 will, finding Lim to lack the mental capacity to revoke a will made in 1973. The ruling was criticized for alleged judicial plagiarism and inadequacies in reasons and factual findings. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung reprimanded the judge for repeated plagiarism, leading to his retirement. The appeal's hearing date has not been set, with a directions hearing scheduled for November.

In a separate cost determination, Lim's second son, Peter Lam Kin-ngok, was found responsible for the litigation expenses. The court noted that Lam, the current Lai Sun Group chairman and Tourism Board chair, stood to gain significantly from the litigation. A caveat lodged by Ling against Lim's late second wife, U Po-chu, has also been noted.