Court proceedings in the estate dispute involving the late former Minister Asot Michael have been delayed until May 20.

The High Court postponed the matter as both sides continue efforts to appoint a handwriting expert. The expert will examine the authenticity of a disputed will.

Acting High Court Judge M.E. Birnie Stephenson ordered both parties to submit information on proposed experts. The court requested details about availability, costs, and willingness to serve.

Asot Michael, the former St Peter MP and government minister, was found dead at his Dry Hill home in November 2024.

Now, a will signed in March 2021 remains at the center of the legal dispute.

Nigel Michael, the late politician’s son, is challenging the document. However, Michael’s sisters, Teresa-Anne Michael and Soraya Michael, continue defending the will.

Nigel Michael is represented by attorneys Hugh Marshall and Chantal Marshall. According to court filings, he claims the will is a forgery.

In addition, he argues his father lacked mental capacity when the document was signed. He also alleges intoxication affected his father at the time.

Meanwhile, the sisters strongly rejected those allegations. Attorneys Dr Errol Cort, Alketz Joseph and Jada Cort represent them in the matter.

Court documents showed both sides agreed a handwriting expert is necessary. However, they failed to agree on who should handle the examination.

Michael’s sisters objected to Nigel Michael’s proposed expert, Beverly East. They raised concerns about possible bias during the proceedings.

However, Justice Stephenson dismissed the claim. The judge said no evidence supported the allegation of bias.

Furthermore, the judge stated accusations of bias require a “clear and cogent basis.”

Justice Stephenson also criticized Nigel Michael’s legal team during the hearing. According to the ruling, the attorneys failed to properly consult the opposing side while trying to secure a joint expert.

As a result, the court ruled that one jointly appointed expert should handle the examination.

The judge also ordered both parties to share responsibility for costs and related expenses connected to the expert review.

Meanwhile, the estate dispute remains unresolved as the parties continue preparations before the next hearing date.

Overall, the case will return to court on May 20 while both sides work toward selecting a mutually accepted handwriting expert.