Degwy family lawyer reveals details of the fortune distribution

Egypt Independent

2 days ago

The legal representative for Nawal al-Degwy and her two granddaughters, Mohamed Shehata, revealed the fate of the shares between the heirs of Sherif al-Degwy's sons and Mona al-Degwy's daughters such the ownership structure of the companies and institutions under dispute.
During a telephone interview with TV host Lamis al-Hadidi on the 'Last Word' (Kalema Akhera) TV show, Shehata said, 'This issue has more than one aspect.'
'Discussing the estate of a living person is a sensitive matter, but the settlement currently underway, sponsored by Nawal el-Degwy, to reunite the family, is still being discussed between institutions and companies and is the subject of negotiations,' Shehata said, adding 'I am optimistic that we will reach a quick solution to this issue.'
In response to Al-Hadidi's question: 'Has the late Mona al-Degwy's will actually been opened in the past few days?' Shehata replied: 'Indeed, that happened. A year before her passing, the late Mona al-Degwy had deposited a sealed will at the Real Estate Registry. It was opened and reviewed a few days ago.'
He continued: 'In it, she bequeathed a third of her entire estate to her two daughters, Engy and Mahy. I was appointed by the deceased to be the executor of that will.'
In response to al-Hadidi's question: 'Is the third she bequeathed outside the (Islamic) legal inheritance?' Shehata said: 'Yes, the third does not include the (Islamic) legal inheritance. Egyptian law allows for a bequest to an heir, as Nawal al-Degwy will inherit one-sixth (from her daughter Mona's estate), and her two daughters will have a share outside the will. The remaining percentage will be distributed among the males of the family, who are Ahmed al-Degwy's heirs: Amr al-Degwy and Mohamed.'
Shehata continued: 'Egyptian law also stipulates that the implementation of wills and inheritance begins with the payment of all debts owed by the deceased. Then the will is given, which may not, under any circumstances, exceed one-third, as Mona al-Degwy did. Then, the remainder of the estate after the one-third allocated by the will is distributed according to the legal shares among the grandmother, the two granddaughters, and the grandsons.'
Hadidi interrupted him, asking, 'Have you taken stock of this inheritance or what she has left behind?'
Shehata replied, 'The inventory process is underway, and it will be part of the comprehensive settlement of all disputes, because we are eager to ensure that no blemish remains in this family.'