Wealthy widow's estate can pay niece's legal fees

The nearly two-year tussle between former China tour guide Yang Yin and wealthy widow Chung Khin Chun over the control of her assets has thrown up a little-known aspect of legal fees in such cases.

Although Madam Chung does not have the mental capacity to act for herself, the law allows for her estate, estimated to be worth $40 million, to cover the legal bill.

There are also steps in place to ensure that the estate is not overcharged, said lawyer Peter Doraisamy, who is representing the widow’s niece Hedy Mok.