Hongkou authorities' release regarding the posthumous arrangements and estate handling of the deceased woman. Photo: Screenshot from Weibo

Authorities in Shanghai's Hongkou district have released the latest update regarding the posthumous arrangements and estate administration of a 46-year-old woman surnamed Jiang who lived alone and passed away due to illness, saying that if the district civil affairs authority is designated as the estate administrator, it will administer the estate in accordance with the law, with any remaining assets, after statutory procedures, to be used for public welfare purposes. 

All related matters are being advanced in an orderly and lawful manner to safeguard the deceased's dignity and lawful rights, the authorities said.

The Hongkou district authorities said on their official Weibo account on Sunday that it deeply mourns the passing of Jiang and that follow-up work is being carried out steadily with respect and care, with efforts focused on protecting the dignity of the deceased and ensuring lawful handling of related matters.

According to The Paper, Jiang, who lived alone in Hongkou district, died of illness on December 14. As her parents had passed away previously, and she was unmarried with no children, the arrangements for her funeral and the disposition of her estate have drawn public attention.

Regarding funeral arrangements, the local neighborhood committee has contacted Jiang's former employer and distant relatives. Based on full consultation with relevant parties, proper arrangements will be made, with a farewell ceremony expected to be held before the end of December, according to the release from the Hongkou authorities. 

As for the handling of her estate, the preliminary verification shows that Jiang currently has no statutory heirs. On Monday, the neighborhood committee will apply to the court to confirm an estate administrator. The court has indicated it will open a fast-track process to ensure the case is accepted and filed on the same day. If the district civil affairs authority is designated as the estate administrator, it will, in accordance with the law, sort out the estate and handle creditor-debtor matters. Any remaining assets, after completion of statutory procedures, will be used for public welfare purposes such as poverty relief, the release said. 


Global Times