Need legal advice re house rights after death of Balinese partner

Member since 01 December 2022

telstraregMember01 December 2022 07:00:25

My Australian brother's Balinese partner passed away recently. It was a de facto relationship of around 20 years, so no marriage certificate.

I'm trying to find out if my brother has any rights to the property under Indonesian/Balinese law. I'm assuming he would have to prove that they were in a long term relationship and that he financed the land purchase and construction. Apparently there have been some recent changes to the laws specific to Bali which govern these types of situations.

I have no idea what steps to take or where to seek advice, grateful for any suggestions.

Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia Expert01 December 2022 07:44:06

29050

An easy one - Not a hope.

Apart from inherence law requiring a marriage certificate, foreigners can't own land in Indonesia.

telstrareg Member

Member since 01 December 2022

telstraregMember03 December 2022 02:29:39

An easy one - Not a hope.
Apart from inherence law requiring a marriage certificate, foreigners can't own land in Indonesia.
-@Fred

I suspected as much. I know squat about Indonesian law but have some knowledge of Thai law. In TL, foreigners can't own land unless they invest a very large sum. If a house is in Thai woman's name and she dies, a non-Thai husband can inherit, but is required to sell within 12 months. No idea if de facto status is recognized in these situations - probably not.