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Law forum takes up knotty probate issues
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Posted on Nov 20 2006
Probate requirements in the Commonwealth are becoming more intricate, compelling a need for certain adjustments in the system, such as the possible assignment of a single probate judge in the Marianas.
This and other suggestions dominated Thursday’s NMI Humanities Council’s Law Forum Series at the American Memorial Park Visitor Center entitled “Probate: Partida, Mwe-Mwei, Testamento and Patte-Parehu: What is Probate? Why Do We Have It? And How Does It Work?”
Over a hundred community members attended the discussion, which was part of the ongoing Community and the Law Forum Series of the Council. Lillian A. Tenorio acted as moderator. Panel members included former Justice Jesus C. Borja, Lorenzo DLG. Cabrera, Lino M. Olopai, Jane Mack, and Malua T. Peter.
Cabrera raised the suggestion of having a single probate judge who would focus on the issue.
NMI Council for the Humanities chair Herman T. Guerrero said that modern requirements are forcing families to go into probate. An example cited during the discussion was single women or single mothers. In the past, women were not given shares in the family properties because they would soon be married. “But now, some women choose not to get married and they would want a piece of their parents’ properties,” Guerrero pointed out.
Another significant issue focused on biological children versus adopted children such as orphans or nephews and nieces that relatives or next of kin would adopt.
Peter, who is a women’s right advocate and a member of the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents, said it is also high time to reckon the legal procedures in handling probate issues.
Guerrero said the lecture series intended to educate the community on issues that are very close to them. “We are exerting efforts to educate the general public on issues discussed using a language that is understandable by ordinary people,” he added.
The Humanities Council will continue the lecture series. Guerrero said the council might invite off-island speakers who could represent other ethnic groups living on the island, such as speakers from the Philippines.
“We will be expanding the lecture series due to the diversity in our community,” he said.
