A man and a woman stand outside Lin Heung Teahouse on the Wellington Street, Central. The dim sum place that has been there since 1928 is regarded as a legendary witness of the city's catering history. Edmond Tang / China Daily

HK$100 fortune to be divided among children of teahouse magnate

The High Court has ruled invalid the photocopied will submitted by the girlfriend claiming the estimated HK$100 million estate of the late owner of "Lin Heung Lau".

Han Yi, 55, who lived with Yien Chi-ren, the owner of the well-known old-fashioned teahouse for some 24 years, claimed 25 percent of Yien's estate by presenting a photocopy of a will dated in 2003.

But two sons, among Yien's six children, claimed the will is invalid, since the original copy has never been found since their father died in 2008 at 88.

The brothers stated the estate should be equally shared by six children.

Judge Johnson Lam Man-hon accepted the children's argument.

Lam cited the Wills Ordinance in his judgment that a will can be revoked by destruction, such as burning, tearing, and in other ways.

Besides, he noted that Yien told his maid that he intended to amend his will.

He also noted Yien had promised his children he would leave nothing to his girlfriend, Han, at a family gathering a few months before his death.

Therefore the judge said he believes Yien decided to revoke his previous will in 2003 after his relationship with Han turned sour. He ruled that Yien left no valid will.

The judge said he believes that Han was trying to make him believe she was Yien's most beloved by suggesting that Yien hated his children.

Lam said Han's testimony was contradictory.

Two daughters of Yien, also beneficiaries named in the 2003 will and allocated 55 percent together, took "neutral stance" in the lawsuit, although their shares will be less if the estate is equally divided among the offspring.

The two sisters also testified against Han, stating she is "not educated" and took care of their father just for his money.

The judge ruled Han must pay for the legal costs for four of the six children.

Besides running the famous teahouse, businessman Yien also invested in properties and clothing manufacturing.

The estate he left doesn't include shares of the teahouse, but mainly properties with an estimated value of more than HK$100 million.

Han, 37 years younger than Yien, had been living with the businessman for about 24 years before his death.

Han said the two considered each other as husband and wife, although they didn't register as a married couple.

guojiaxue@chinadailyhk.com

China Daily

(HK Edition 08/06/2011 page1)