Another significant estate dispute in Palau reached its conclusion this week. Following a court ruling, the assets of George Kebekol Alfonso’s estate, acquired during his marriage, will be inherited by their daughter Tikei Tanalynn Kebekol. Meanwhile, assets inherited by George Kebekol from his father will be passed on to his sibling Benedicta Kebekol.
In a decision issued on February 26, 2024, Tikei T. Kebekol was granted her father’s personal assets, which included properties in Guam, bank accounts, rental properties, shares in UK Investment Holdings, a vehicle, and boats.
Furthermore, the court awarded Ngerchelngael Island and its submerged lease area to George Kebekol’s sister, Benedicta Kebekol.
The case revolved around the traditional custom of cheldecheduch, which questioned whether George Kebekol’s daughter could claim assets inherited by him.
Testimonies during the trial revealed that those authorized to conduct the custom agreed that assets earned by George Kebekol and his wife would be inherited by their children, while assets inherited by George Kebekol from his father would go to his sister for administration or distribution.
The court established that George Kebekol inherited Ngerchelngael Island and its surrounding lease from his father, making his sister entitled to it. Additionally, the court acknowledged that the land and lease area had already been contracted to a company, delineating Benedicta Kebekol’s role according to the existing agreement.
Moreover, the court ruled that any revenue from the lease of Ngerchelngael, irrespective of its deposition location, should be directed to Benedicta Kebekol.