In assessing whether there is an "equitable or moral claim" within the meaning of section 27 (3) of the Civil Law Act 1909, the Public Trustee will consider the following factors:

a) The length and nature of the relationship between the deceased and the claimant;

b) Any legal or moral obligations which the deceased had towards the claimant;

c) The way in which the claimant behaved towards the deceased including the contribution (if any) made by the claimant to the welfare of the deceased; and

d) The deceased's last wishes.

The above are meant as general guidelines only. All claims are assessed on a case-by-case basis and on their respective individual merits as supported by evidence. A claimant may not necessarily succeed in his claim even if one or more of the above factors are present. For more information, please refer to our website: https://pto.mlaw.gov.sg/deceased-cpf-estate-monies/claims-against-bona-vacantia-estates/.