Probate and Letters of Administration in Singapore (2026)

When a loved one passes away, you are not only dealing with grief — you are also faced with urgent administrative and legal tasks. One of the first questions many families ask is: How do we legally manage the estate?

In Singapore, this usually means applying for Grant of Probate (if there is a valid will) or Grant of Letters of Administration (if there is no will). As a probate lawyer, I help families navigate this process smoothly, quickly, and at an affordable and transparent fee.

This guide explains what you need to do, how long it takes, and how we can assist you.

What Is Probate?

You apply for Grant of Probate when the deceased has left a valid will that appoints an executor.

A Grant of Probate gives the executor legal authority to:

• Access bank accounts

• Claim insurance payouts

• Sell, transfer or manage property

• Distribute assets in accordance with the will

The law governing the probate process includes the Probate and Administration Act 1934 and the Wills Act 1838.

What Are Letters of Administration?

If your loved one passed away without a will, you apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration.

The order of priority for who may act as administrator comes from the Intestate Succession Act 1967. This Act also sets out how the estate must ultimately be distributed.

Depending on the family structure, the administrators are usually:

• Spouse

• Children

• Parents

• Siblings

If multiple beneficiaries have equal priority, they may need to jointly administer the estate unless consents or renunciations are obtained.

Which Should You Apply For?

Situation	Apply For
There is a valid will naming executors	Grant of Probate
There is no will	Letters of Administration
The will names executors but they have died or do not wish to act	Letters of Administration with Will Annexed

If you are unsure, we can assess your documents and advise which route is appropriate.

What Documents Do You Need?

Most applications require:

• Death certificate

• Will (if any)

• Identification documents of the applicant(s)

• Schedule of Assets (list of bank accounts, properties, insurance, shares)

  
  

We guide clients through compiling these documents. In most cases, you will not have to contact every bank or agency yourself — we can handle this for you.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Timelines vary, but most straightforward cases follow this pattern:

• Gathering documents: 1–2 weeks

• Drafting and filing court papers: 3–5 working days

• Court processing time: 4–8 weeks

  
  

More complex estates (multiple properties, foreign assets, missing beneficiaries, disputes, or unclear wills) may require additional steps. We advise clearly on expectations and timelines from the outset.

What About Property, CPF and Insurance?

HDB or Private Property

Executors or administrators may need to:

• Vest the property into their names

• Sell or transfer according to the will or Intestate Succession Act

• Work with HDB or SLA for conveyancing steps

  
  

CPF Monies

CPF balances cannot be distributed by will. Check if there is a valid CPF nomination. If not nominated, CPF will pay the savings in your CPF accounts to the Public Trustee’s Office for distribution to your family members in accordance with the Intestate Succession Act or inheritance certificate (for Muslims).

Insurance Policies (including Dependants' Protection Scheme (DPS))

Check for nominations. If there are none, policy proceeds may fall into the estate and need to be included in the Schedule of Assets.

We assist clients in identifying and categorising all assets properly so you do not miss anything.

How Much Are the Legal Fees?

Many families are surprised at how affordable the process can be when handled efficiently.

To keep things simple, we offer:

• Transparent fixed fees for straightforward applications

• Clear explanations before any work is done

• Fast turnaround with most documents prepared within days

• Responsive support so you are never left waiting

Our fees start from SGD 1,390, and we can give you a quote immediately once you share the basic details of the estate.

Why Engage a Probate Lawyer?

Families often try to handle the application themselves, but the process involves technical drafting, strict formalities, and detailed asset schedules. Any error may cause delays in the court process.

We assist by:

• Reviewing all documents and advising on next steps

• Preparing and filing the entire probate/administration application

• Drafting all affidavits, asset schedules, and court forms

• Managing correspondences with banks and insurers

• Advising on the lawful and correct distribution of the estate

This gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on your family.

Reach Out for Immediate Assistance

If you have recently lost a loved one and need guidance on Probate or Letters of Administration, you do not have to navigate this alone.

We are here to:

• Answer your questions

• Explain the process clearly

• Give you a transparent fee quote

• Handle the court application quickly and professionally

  
  

Contact us today for a consultation — we respond quickly and aim to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Schedule a confidential consultation or email us at mc@markchenglaw.com to get started.

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