The Act comprehensively reforms the law of succession, regulating the devolution, administration, testamentary disposition and distribution of property on intestacy. It modernises the roles and powers of executors and administrators, clarifies the operation and effect of wills and intestacy rules, and establishes procedural standards for estate administration and distribution.

Operating alongside a range of statutes (including Companies, Registration of Title and Deeds, Legitimacy, Adoption, Intestates’ Estates and court statutes), the Act ensures protection for beneficiaries (including legitimate and adopted children), streamlines probate and court processes, and promotes coherent record‑keeping and transfer of property on death.