Shanghai Court Names Civil Affairs Bureau as Estate Manager in Single Woman's Case

Credit: Ti Gong

Caption: Jiang Ting, 46, who died earlier this month, did not have any close relatives.

A Shanghai court has named the Hongkou District Civil Affairs Bureau as the estate manager of a 46-year-old lady who died earlier this month, marking a significant step forward in a case that has received widespread attention.

The Hongkou District People's Court said it appointed the bureau as estate manager after determining that Jiang Ting had no living legal heirs and had left no will or support agreement. The bureau released a public notice on Wednesday disclosing the decision.

The court expeditiously handled the case.

Civil affairs officials said that if a burial place is purchased for Jiang, the associated fees may be paid from her estate, addressing previous public worries that her assets could not be utilized for funeral arrangements.

Jiang lived alone in Hongkou and was unmarried.

She fell seriously ill in October after experiencing a massive brain hemorrhage and died on December 14. As she had no close relations, her death generated concerns about who should arrange her funeral and manage her possessions.

When a person dies without legal heirs under Chinese law, a court may appoint a civil affairs authority or village committee to function as estate manager.

On December 22, Jiang's neighborhood residents' committee filed an application with the court to determine the estate manager. The court accepted the case that same day.

In its public notice, the bureau stated that any individuals who had a support relationship with Jiang, creditors or debtors, or anybody who objects to the bureau acting as estate manager must submit written papers within three months of the notification's issuance.

The bureau stated that it will first inventory and administer the estate, settle debts and claims, and then proceed according to judicial rules.

Only after all legal claims have been resolved, and if assets remain, will they be used for public welfare reasons such as poverty assistance, according to the bureau.

The case has sparked public debate in China regarding wills, estate planning, and guardianship, particularly among those who live alone.

The bureau stated that the case is being handled strictly in accordance with legal rules and that additional information would be disclosed as the process progresses.