Grant Of Probate In Singapore: 10 Crucial Things To Know

A Grant of Probate is a legal document issued by the Court, allowing the executor named in a will to manage and distribute the deceased’s assets.

It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the estate is handled according to the deceased’s last wishes, settling any outstanding debts and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.

This article provides key insights into the Grant of Probate process in Singapore, outlining the steps involved and the responsibilities of the executor.

Whether you’re planning to apply for probate or engage a lawyer, understanding the process is essential for effective estate management.

 

1. What Is Grant Of Probate In Singapore?

A Grant of Probate is a legal document issued by the Court that authorises an executor to manage the estate of a deceased person who has left a valid will.

The probate process ensures that the executor, who is named in the will, has the legal authority to deal with the deceased’s property, pay off any outstanding debts, and distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the will.

When a person passes away, and they have left a valid will, the executor must apply for a Grant of Probate from the Court.

This document is crucial as it allows the executor to access and manage the deceased’s bank accounts, investments, and other financial assets. Without probate, banks and other institutions will not release funds or assets for distribution.

To obtain probate, the executor must present the original will and apply through the Court, typically with the assistance of a probate lawyer.

Once probate is granted, the executor is responsible for administering the estate, ensuring that debts, taxes, and any other obligations are settled before distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will.

 

2. Who Can Apply For A Grant Of Probate?

In Singapore, the executor named in the deceased’s will is the person who can apply for a Grant of Probate. To be eligible, two main conditions must be met:

• The deceased must have left a valid will, as defined under the Wills Act.
• The will must specifically name the person applying for probate as the executor.

The executor is appointed to manage the deceased’s estate, ensuring that the assets are handled and distributed according to the wishes outlined in the will.

If no executor is named in the will or the named executor is unable or unwilling to act, the Court may appoint an administrator.

This is often a close family member or legal representative, and they will be granted the authority to manage the estate through a different legal process known as Letters of Administration. This typically happens when there is no valid will or the executor cannot fulfil their duties.

In cases where multiple executors are named, and one or more of them renounce their rights, the remaining executor(s) may still proceed with the application. Executors who renounce their rights must do so formally, and the probate process will continue under the guidance of those who remain.

If no eligible executors or administrators are available, the Court may appoint a suitable legal representative or the Public Trustee to manage the estate. This process ensures that the deceased’s assets are properly distributed, even if there is no one available to apply for probate or administration.

 

 

3. Why Is A Grant Of Probate Important?

There are only select cases wherein getting a Court order for a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration (if the deceased has failed to leave behind a will) is unnecessary.

Such cases are limited to instances wherein the deceased’s estate is valued at less than $50,000, and there are no pending liabilities or debts to settle.

But in practice, financial institutions in Singapore are generally hesitant about dispersing monetary funds without Court orders. This is true even for an estate value that does not exceed $5,000.

Apart from these cases, a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration Court order is essential for an executor to manage the estate legally.

A Grant of Letters of Administration is needed if there is no Will, it can’t be found, or it can no longer be recovered. It’s also required if the executor named in the Will cannot fulfil their duties for whatever reason.

But for probate application processes, wherein there is a last and final Will, and the executor can manage the estate distribution, he must file a Grant of Probate before any of the Family Justice Courts.

This Court will determine probate applications wherein the value of the state is below $3 million.

If the value exceeds $3 million, the Supreme Court of Singapore division will review the probate application grant instead.

 

4. Does Grant Of Probate Expire?

A Grant of Probate does not technically expire, but there are some limitations regarding its use. In Singapore, a Grant of Probate is typically valid for up to six years from the date of issuance.

This means that the executor must manage and distribute the deceased’s estate within this period. If the executor fails to administer the estate within this time frame, they may need to apply to the Court for an extension or reapply for the grant.

There are circumstances where the probate process may be delayed due to disputes, complications in locating assets, or other legal challenges. In such cases, the executor may require the Court’s permission to continue administering the estate beyond the six-year limit.

It is also important to note that even if the estate is not fully settled within six years, the probate itself remains valid unless there is a Court order to revoke or limit the grant.

However, if an executor does not act on the grant for a prolonged period, beneficiaries or other interested parties can take legal action to resolve the matter, including seeking the appointment of a new executor or administrator.

If reapplication or renewal is needed, the Court will assess the reasons for the delay and decide whether to issue a new Grant of Probate or provide additional time for the executor to complete the administration of the estate.

 

5. How Much Does A Grant Of Probate In Singapore Costs?

The cost of obtaining a Grant of Probate in Singapore can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether you choose to engage a lawyer. Below is a general breakdown of the fees involved

Item or Service	Fee
Optional search for probate cases and caveats when filing the Originating Summons	$20 (no existing cases) / $50 (existing cases)
Filing the Originating Summons	$210 to $240 (depending on whether you require only an electronic Grant or a printed Grant with embossed Court seal)
Filing the Statement	$15
Filing the Schedule of Assets	$15
Filing a certified true copy of the death certificate	$15
Filing a certified true copy of the will	$25
Filing for renunciation	$25
Filing other supporting documents	$15

 

These fees include both the charges listed in Part 4 of the Fifth Schedule of the Family Justice Rules, eLitigation transmission and processing fees, as well as Service Bureau handling fees.

 

6. Documents You Need To File During A Grant Of Probate Application

The process of applying for a grant of probate in Singapore requires the submission of several important documents. Each one plays a specific role in ensuring the application proceeds smoothly through the Family Justice Courts. Below is a comprehensive list of the required documents:

Originating Application In Form 162

As of 15 October 2024, the Originating Application must be filed using Form 162, replacing the previously required Originating Summons and Statement for Probate or Administration. This form, found in Appendix C of the Family Justice Courts Practice Directions (FJCPD), is essential for initiating the probate process.

Key details required in this form include:

• Information about the deceased (e.g., name, date of death)
• Details of the applicant(s)
• The order being requested, such as “Probate be granted to the Applicant(s)”

If you do not have a lawyer, you can use the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau to fill out the required forms. They will assist in generating the Originating Summons and Statement for Probate based on the information you provide.

Note: For deaths occurring before 15 December 2003, the statement must include, under “Any other relevant information,” whether there are any probate applications or legal actions in respect of the deceased’s estate.

The Schedule Of Assets In Form 177 (Or Form 226 For Older Submissions)

The Schedule of Assets in Singapore is a key document in the probate application. This form (Form 177) declares all the deceased’s assets and any debts secured by mortgage. The Court uses this document to confirm the estate’s value, which also helps to determine the fees payable for the probate application.

The Schedule of Assets must include:

• Real estate: HDB flats, private property, or part-share in a property.
• Personal property: Bank accounts, stocks, shares, insurance policies, vehicles, jewellery, and items in safe deposit boxes.
• Overseas assets: Properties and investments located outside Singapore.

If you do not have the full information about the assets at the time of application, you can submit the Schedule of Assets after filing. This may require reaching out to financial institutions to gather detailed information about the deceased’s accounts and holdings.

Note: For older applications (deaths before 15 December 2003), use Form 226 for the Schedule of Assets.

Certified True Copy Of The Death Certificate

The certified true copy of the Death Certificate is required to verify that the estate’s owner has been legally certified as deceased. This document ensures the Court that the estate can be processed under probate law.

If the Death Certificate is unavailable, the executor can:

• Conduct a Death Record search if the exact date of death is unknown.
• Apply for a Death Extract via the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) if the full details of the deceased (name, NRIC number, and date of death) are available.

Note: If the deceased has been issued a digitally verifiable Digital Death Certificate or Digital Death Extract by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, Singapore, a certified true copy is not required.

Certified True Copy Of The Will

The certified true copy of the will must be submitted alongside a supporting affidavit. The cover page of the will must include the following certification: “This is a certified true copy of the original will of [name of deceased] dated [date].”

The original will must then be presented to the Probate Counter by 4:30 pm the following working day for verification. Once the Court verifies the authenticity of the will, it will be returned to the applicant (or their lawyer).

Note: The will must be in English. If it was written in another language, a Court-certified translation must be provided. The translator will need to verify the accuracy of the translation in a supporting affidavit.

Exceptional Circumstances:

• If the original will is held by a foreign Court, a certified true copy of the will can be submitted in its place.
• If the original will has been lost, a draft copy may be submitted, provided that the draft closely matches the final will. However, this situation may lead to disputes, so legal advice is recommended.

Caveat And Probate Search (Optional)

It is advisable to conduct a caveat and probate search on the day of filing the application, though it is not mandatory. This search will identify if any caveats (objections) or prior probate applications have been lodged for the estate in question.

If no caveats or previous applications are found, the application can proceed without issue. A digital copy of the search report, along with any positive search results, should be attached to the Originating Application.

If caveats or competing applications exist, the Court may be prevented from issuing a grant of probate. As only one valid grant can be issued for an estate, legal advice should be sought if there are competing claims.

Administration Oath In Form 167

The executor or trustee applying for the grant of probate must sign an Administration Oath. This document confirms their responsibility to distribute the deceased’s assets in accordance with the will and to settle any outstanding debts using the estate’s funds.

The Administration Oath must be prepared in Form 167 from Appendix A of the FJCPD and signed in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths.

Supporting Affidavit In Form 163

A Supporting Affidavit must be submitted in support of the Originating Application. This document is prepared in Form 163 from Appendix A of the FJCPD and signed before a Commissioner for Oaths.

The Supporting Affidavit must include:

• The Originating Application
• Certified true copies of the Death Certificate and Will
• The Schedule of Assets (if applicable)

Supplementary Affidavit

If the executor cannot confirm all the details about the deceased’s assets when submitting the Supporting Affidavit, they may file a Supplementary Affidavit later once all relevant information is obtained. This affidavit must include the completed Schedule of Assets.

After the probate application is accepted by the Court, the executor can contact relevant financial institutions to gather detailed information about the deceased’s accounts, investments, and other assets.

Once the full details are obtained, the Supplementary Affidavit must be signed before a Commissioner for Oaths and submitted to the Court.

 

7. Steps In Applying For A Grant Of Probate In Singapore By Engaging A Lawyer

Step 1: File An Initial Application

An initial filing of the probate application should be done through the eLitigation website. Executors who choose to handle the application process without engaging a lawyer must seek assistance from the Service Bureau.

At this phase, the executor or lawyer submits the Ex-Parte Originating Summons, Death Certificate, Probate Statement, Will, Caveats, and Application Search Report.

After filing, the lawyer or executor sends the Will to the Probate Counter at the Family Justice Courts.

Step 2: Submitting The Schedule Of Assets, Supporting Affidavit, And Administration Oath

Once the Court has accepted the initial application, you or your lawyer must sign and file the Supporting Affidavit and Administration Oath within 14 days.

All of the above must be accomplished before a Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. If the estate executor isn’t in Singapore at the time of filing, the documents must be notarised.

Step 3: Attending The Court Hearing

Once the Court accepts the initial application and Administration Oath, they will schedule a date for a probate hearing.

If the Court receives the final Schedule of Assets and Supporting Affidavit after the scheduled hearing, the hearing may push through without the applicant/executor.

Step 4: Reaching Out To Financial Institutions And Filing The Schedule Of Assets And Supplementary Affidavit

As mentioned, the lawyer or applicant must inquire from financial institutions in Singapore and overseas if they don’t know the exact scope of the deceased’s estate.

After receiving responses to the inquiries, the executor or lawyer signs the Supplementary Affidavit and Schedule of Assets before the Commissioner for Oaths.

Step 5: Grant Of Probate Court Extraction

Once the Court determines the deceased’s estate is eligible for probate and distribution, the lawyer or executor requests a Grant of Probate extraction.

However, before doing so, the executor must secure the final caveat and probate application. Doing this ensures there are no competing applications on the same estate.

The Court transmits the electronic copy of the Grant of Probate through the eLitigation platform.

You may request the Court for a hard copy embossed with a red seal. But this isn’t necessary as the electronic Grant is already considered legal and valid.

 

8. Steps In Applying For Grant Of Probate By Probate eService

The Probate eService is an online platform that allows users to apply for a Grant of Probate without the need to visit the Service Bureau or hire a lawyer.

This streamlined service assists in preparing essential probate documents, such as the Originating Application and the Schedule of Assets, which are then submitted electronically to the Court.

One of the key benefits of using the Probate eService is that some fields can be autofilled using MyInfo, and information about the deceased can be retrieved directly from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) if the person passed away in Singapore.

This reduces the likelihood of errors or omissions during the application process, minimising the risk of rejection. Moreover, the online platform eliminates the need for travel and postage costs, making it more cost-effective and efficient.

While the Probate eService is user-friendly and guides applicants through each step, it is important to note that this method is only suitable for straightforward cases.

If the application involves any errors or if the case does not meet certain eligibility criteria, the application may be rejected, and additional fees could be incurred. In such cases, you may need to switch to the Service Bureau to continue your application.

Eligibility To Use The Probate eService

The Probate eService is designed for cases where the total estimated value of the deceased’s estate does not exceed $2 million. To be eligible for this service, certain criteria must be met:

1. Applicant Requirements:
   • You must have a Singpass to access the eService.
   • You must be above 21 years old.
   • You must be named as the sole executor in the deceased’s will.
   • You must have access to QR-based, debit or credit card payment methods for fee payments.
   • You must have the deceased’s details on hand. If the deceased passed away in Singapore, their details can be automatically retrieved from government records through the eService.
2. Required Documents:
   • If the death occurred on or after 29 May 2022, you will need a digital death certificate in PDF format, issued by the ICA.
   • If the death occurred before 29 May 2022, you will need a certified true copy of the deceased’s death certificate. A lawyer can help certify this document as a true copy.
3. Deceased’s Eligibility:
   • The deceased must have been Singaporean or a Singapore Permanent Resident.
   • The deceased must have been domiciled in Singapore at the time of death.
   • The death must have occurred in Singapore on or after 15 February 2008.
   • The deceased must not have been of the Muslim religion, as a different legal process applies for Muslim estates.
4. Will Requirements:
   • The deceased must have left an original will that meets the following criteria:
   • The will is written in English.
   • The will is signed by the deceased.
   • The will includes the names of at least two witnesses who signed the will in the presence of the deceased and each other at the same time.
   • The deceased must have been aware of the contents of the will.

Documents Required for the Probate eService Application:

• The original will of the deceased: This is required for the Court to validate the application.
• Certified true copy of the will: A PDF copy with a cover page that confirms it is a certified true copy of the original will. A lawyer can assist in certifying this document.
• Digital death certificate or certified true copy of the death certificate: This depends on when the death occurred. The ICA provides the digital certificate for more recent deaths, while older cases require a certified true copy.
• Schedule of Assets: This lists the deceased’s assets and liabilities.
• Administration Oath: This document confirms that the executor will fulfil their legal duties.
• Supporting Affidavit: This affidavit supports the application and outlines key details.
• Supplementary Affidavit (if applicable): If additional information about the deceased’s assets is uncovered later, this affidavit may be required.

Step 1: Fill Up And Submit The Probate Application Form

To begin the application process for a Grant of Probate, you will need to access the Probate eService using your Singpass. Once logged in, you can complete the Probate Application Form, which authorises you as the sole executor to manage the deceased’s estate according to the will.

The eService offers the convenience of using MyInfo to autofill certain fields with your personal details, reducing the need for manual entry. Additionally, you can grant the eService permission to retrieve the deceased’s information directly from the ICA’s database, provided the death occurred in Singapore.

When completing the form, key fields include:

• Deceased’s details: Full name, NRIC number, and date of death.
• Executor’s details: Your full name and contact information.
• Will information: Confirmation that the will is valid and meets all legal requirements.
• Schedule of Assets (SOA): If you have a complete list of the deceased’s assets and debts, you can submit this document along with your application. If you do not have this information at hand, the SOA can be filed at a later stage.

Ensure that all information is accurate to avoid delays or rejection of your application. The eService guides you through each section to minimise errors, but it is essential to double-check your entries before submission.

Step 2: Pay The Relevant Fees

After submitting the probate application form, the next step is to pay the relevant fees. The Probate eService accepts QR-based payments, debit cards, and credit cards for the submission of these fees.

A deposit of $400 is required upfront to cover the estimated probate application costs. Typically, the filing fee for a probate application is approximately $300, meaning you may receive a refund of around $100 after the application is processed.

However, if there are errors in your documents or if any inaccuracies lead to rejection by the Court, a rejection fee may be imposed. In such cases, this fee will be deducted from your deposit, reducing the amount refunded to you.

To avoid these additional costs, it is important to ensure that all documents are accurate and complete before submitting your application.

The eService’s automated features help to minimise errors, but it is always recommended to carefully review all forms and supporting documents before payment and final submission.

Step 3: Present The Original Will For Inspection

Once you have submitted your application for a Grant of Probate using the Probate eService, you must present the original will for verification. This step is crucial as the Court needs to confirm that the will is authentic and valid before it can grant probate.

To complete this step, you must bring the physical original will to the Probate Registry counter at the Family Justice Courts located on Maxwell Road during its operating hours. It is important to ensure that the original will is in good condition and that it matches the certified true copy you submitted with your application.

This in-person inspection helps the Court verify that the will was properly executed and is free from tampering, ensuring the executor has legal authority to manage the estate.

Failure to present the original will for inspection may result in delays or the rejection of your probate application.

Step 4: Submission Of Supporting Documents

After the Court processes your initial application for a Grant of Probate, you will need to submit several supporting documents to complete the process. These include:

• Administration Oath: This is a sworn document in which you, as the executor, pledge to distribute the deceased’s estate according to the terms of the will and settle any outstanding debts.
• Supporting Affidavit: This document supports your probate application and confirms the details you provided are accurate.
• Schedule of Assets (if applicable): This lists all the deceased’s assets, including property, bank accounts, investments, and any outstanding liabilities.

If you do not have the Schedule of Assets at this stage, you can still proceed with the other steps and submit the schedule at a later time.
However, all supporting documents must be submitted within the deadlines provided by the Court to avoid delays or rejection. Timely submission is critical to ensuring your application moves forward smoothly.

Step 5: Hearing In Court

In most cases, a Court hearing is not required when applying for a Grant of Probate. However, if there are issues or objections raised by the Court or other parties, you may be required to attend a Probate hearing.

A Probate hearing is a session where the judge will review your application and address any concerns before deciding whether to grant the probate. You will be notified by the Court if a hearing is necessary, along with the date and time.

During the hearing, the judge will assess your role as executor, verify the will’s validity, and consider any objections from other parties (such as family members or beneficiaries). After reviewing all relevant details, the judge will decide whether to issue the Grant of Probate or require further actions.

It is important to prepare for the hearing by bringing any additional documents that may support your application.

Step 6: Submission Of Supplementary Affidavit And Schedule Of Assets

If you were unable to submit the Schedule of Assets during your initial application, you will need to file a Supplementary Affidavit at a later stage. This is a sworn document that includes the completed Schedule of Assets, listing all the deceased’s properties, financial accounts, and liabilities.

To gather the necessary asset information, you will first need to obtain an Order in Terms, which is a Court-issued document that allows you to request details from financial institutions about the deceased’s accounts.

Once you have collected this information, you can complete the Schedule of Assets and submit it with the Supplementary Affidavit.

After submitting these documents, you will need to wait for the Court to process them. If everything is in order, the Court will then issue the Grant of Probate, giving you the authority to manage and distribute the estate. You can track the status of your application through the Probate eService.

 

9. Steps In Applying For Grant Of Probate By LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau

If you do not qualify for the Probate eService or prefer not to engage a lawyer, you can apply for a Grant of Probate through the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau.

This method involves more in-person visits compared to the online process, as you will need to visit the Service Bureau to access the eLitigation system and submit your documents.

You are required to book an appointment to visit the Service Bureau in person to file your application. The process and documents are generally the same as those used in the Probate eService, but it requires frequent travel to the Service Bureau for submission and follow-up actions.

Once you submit your application, you will be notified by email or SMS on whether your documents have been accepted by the Court.

Step 1: Submission Of The Main Application

When applying through the Service Bureau, the initial step involves submitting the main application, including the Originating Application and, if applicable, the Schedule of Assets.

It is optional but advisable to conduct a search for probate cases and caveats before filing. If you conduct the search, the results must be submitted along with other key documents, such as:

• Certified true copy of the Death Certificate
• Certified true copy of the will

You will need to provide this information on the same day of your appointment.

The Service Bureau will assist you in preparing the Originating Application and Schedule of Assets (if all assets have been accounted for) using the information you supply. These documents are then filed on your behalf through the eLitigation system.

In addition, you are required to present the original will for verification at the Probate Registry by 4:30 pm on the next working day after filing your application. The Court will inspect the original will and return it to you after verification.

If your application is in order, the Court will assign a case number and schedule a hearing date. After this, you will need to return to the Service Bureau to collect the sealed versions of the Originating Application and Schedule of Assets (if submitted).

These sealed documents will bear the Court’s official seal and are important for the continuation of the probate process.

Step 2: Submission Of Supporting Documents

Once you have filed your application for a Grant of Probate through the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau, you will need to submit several supporting documents within 14 days. These documents include:

• Administration Oath: A sworn statement by the executor confirming their obligation to administer the estate according to the will.
• Supporting Affidavit: A document confirming the details provided in your application.
• Schedule of Assets (if applicable): A detailed list of the deceased’s assets and liabilities.

To submit these documents, you must revisit the Service Bureau, where the staff will assist in filing them through the eLitigation system.

It is crucial to ensure that all information in the documents is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejection of your application. Any errors or missing information can cause significant delays in processing, requiring you to refile or provide additional clarification.

Step 3: Hearing In Court

In some cases, a Court hearing may be required as part of the probate process.

However, if all of your documents are submitted and accepted by the Court before the scheduled hearing date, the Court may approve your application without needing you to attend. In this case, you will be informed through a letter that your presence at the hearing is not required.

If there are any issues with your documents or if you have not submitted all the necessary paperwork by the hearing date, you will need to attend the scheduled hearing. During the hearing, the judge will review your application, address any concerns, and decide whether to grant probate.

Legal representation is not always necessary for this stage, especially if the case is straightforward. However, if there are complications or objections raised, it may be advisable to have a lawyer represent you during the hearing to ensure the process proceeds smoothly.

Step 4: Submission Of Supplementary Affidavit And Schedule Of Assets

If you did not submit the Schedule of Assets with your initial probate application and Supporting Affidavit, you will need to revisit the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau to file it.

Once the Schedule of Assets is prepared, you will submit it to the Service Bureau, where they will assist in filing it through the eLitigation system.

Once accepted by the Court, you will need to collect the sealed Schedule of Assets from the Service Bureau. After this, you must prepare a Supplementary Affidavit that exhibits the Schedule of Assets. This document is then filed in person at the Service Bureau.

It is important to be thorough and accurate in both the Schedule of Assets and the Supplementary Affidavit, as these are critical for the Court to assess the full value and contents of the deceased’s estate. Any missing or inaccurate information could lead to further delays in the probate process.

 

10. What Happens After Applying For A Grant Of Probate?

Once you have submitted your application for a Grant of Probate, the Court will review the documents to determine whether they are in order. The LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau will notify you by email or SMS whether your application has been accepted or rejected.

If The Application Is In Order

If everything is in order, the Court will assign a case number to your application and schedule a hearing date. The Court will also issue sealed versions of the Originating Summons, Statement, and Schedule of Assets.

These documents will bear the Court’s official seal. You will need to collect them from the Service Bureau. After receiving the sealed documents, you must file a Supporting Affidavit within 14 days of filing the Originating Summons.

If The Application Is Not In Order

If there are any errors in your application, the Court will reject the documents and provide reasons for the rejection. You will need to collect the rejected documents from the Service Bureau, correct the errors, and resubmit the application.

 

Conclusion About The Grant Of Probate In Singapore

A Grant of Probate in Singapore ensures that a deceased’s assets will be distributed accordingly by the executor to the rightful beneficiaries.

Singapore Courts provide the Grant of Probate only after the Court determines the applicant has done due diligence in providing the last Will, searching for existing caveats and competing claims, and submitting all required documents.

As probate application can be overwhelming for the everyday individual, the process often involves the presence of a lawyer.

If you need assistance applying for a Grant of Probate in Singapore, engage our lawyers here at Tembusu Law. We offer 30 minutes’ worth of free legal advice to first-time clients.

In addition to probate matters, we also have divorce lawyers in Singapore and criminal lawyers in Singapore to assist with related family and legal issues.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About The Grant Of Probate In Singapore

How Long Will It Take To Get A Grant Of Probate In Singapore?

Getting a Grant of Probate in Singapore will take 2-6 months. The duration may be longer, depending on the case’s complexities.

What Happens If The Deceased Passed Away Overseas?

If the deceased passed away overseas, the applicant must contact the corresponding foreign authorities to obtain a death certificate in its corresponding English translation (if the document wasn’t originally in English).

What Is An Executor?

An executor named in the deceased’s final Will is the appointed individual to collect the deceased’s assets, clear pending liabilities and debts, and distribute the assets according to the terms stated in the Will.

Who Can Apply For A Grant?

Usually, individuals with a greater entitlement to the deceased person’s estate have the right to apply for a grant.

Why Should I Conduct A Probate And Caveat Search?

A search for existing caveats and probate applications is necessary. The Court is required by law to allow the caveator (person who has entered the caveat) the right to challenge your probate application.

Where Will I Conduct The Caveat Searches?

You must search for caveats and existing claims at any CrimsonLogic Service Bureau office.

Why Do I Need To Submit A Schedule Of Assets?

Securing and submitting a Schedule of Assets before the Court is necessary, as it allows the Court to confirm the estate’s value and determine the payable fees in the probate application.

Do I Have To Attach Bank Statements To The Schedule Of Assets?

No. You don’t have to attach bank statements and other supporting documents while submitting the Schedule of Assets.