6 Siblings Fight Over Family-Owned Shophouse in Hougang; Brother Refuses to Give Up Shophouse

Familial fights over a golden inheritance have long captivated the media industry, with numerous renditions splayed across years of films and media.

As for a classic example? Any long-running Taiwanese drama.

But here’s the thing. Though inheritance disputes are very real, they are still largely confined to the small screen.

Or at least, that’s how the story goes.

In reality, however, it appears that such disputes are present.

6 Siblings Fight Over Family-Owned Shophouse in Hougang; Brother Refuses to Give Up Shophouse

According to Lianhe Zaobao, one man’s attempt to hog a family-owned shophouse has led to a heated court dispute…

Which he ultimately lost.

According to the news report, the case involved a family of eight, with a total of 6 brothers and sisters.

They are said to have grown up in a Kampung near Yio Chu Kang. Their family initially earned a living by raising pigs, but later turned to the slaughter trade.

In 1988, their land was retrieved by the Government. This led to around S$150,000 in compensation, which was subsequently kept by the mother.

With the compensation, as well as loans, they purchased 2 three-room flats in Yishun, and a shophouse on Hougang Street 61.

The shophouse was reportedly registered under the name of Wang Caishun, the fourth oldest son. Back in the year 1995, it is said to have been valued at a cool S$782,000.

Accusation

Decades later, Wang Caishun would find himself sued by his own siblings, who accused him of hogging the shophouse.

According to the news report, the family has long agreed that each sibling has a right to the shophouse. When it is sold, each member will be entitled to a share of the proceeds.

The claim was, however, denied by Wang, who alleged that he had procured the shophouse with his own funds and rental expenses.

And after 9 days of trial, the verdict was given.

According to the judge, Wang was unclear about the time of purchase, as well as other intricate details revolving around the acquisition of the shophouse. On the other hand, the other family members are found to have handled the rental payments and loans pertaining to the shophouse.

As such, the judge ultimately ruled the case in the family members’ favour and ordered Wang to sell the shophouse within 12 months.

Subsequently, the proceeds will be split equally between all siblings.

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