Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration in Singapore (2026)

Mark Cheng
Jan 20
3 min read

A Clear, Step-by-Step Guide

If a loved one has passed away and you need to deal with their assets, you will likely need a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

This page explains:

when you need it
how the process works in Singapore
how long it takes
what it typically costs
what you should do next

What Is A Grant of Probate?

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

A Grant of Probate is a court order that allows the executor named in a will to deal with the deceased’s assets, including:

bank accounts
investments
insurance payouts
property

Without it, most institutions will not release assets.

What Are Letters of Administration?

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

The law determines who can apply.

Further, the Intestate Succession Act 1967 determines how the estate must be distributed.

Depending on the family structure, the administrators are usually:

spouse
children
parents
siblings

When Do You Need Probate or Letters of Administration?

You will usually need it if:

the deceased owned property in their sole name; or
there are significant bank balances or investments

You may not need it if:

assets are jointly held (e.g. joint bank accounts or property)

If you are unsure, it is best to check early. Delays can complicate matters.

The Process in Singapore (Step-by-Step)

We handle the entire process for you. The typical steps are:

Step 1: Initial review

You send us:

death certificate
will (if any)
basic asset information (list of bank accounts, properties, insurance, shares)

We will 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.

Step 2: Preparation of documents

We prepare all necessary court documents, including:

supporting affidavits
schedule of assets

You review and sign.

Step 3: Filing in court

We file the application with the Family Justice Courts.

Step 4: Grant issued

Once approved, the court issues the Grant.

You can then:

access bank accounts
sell or transfer property
distribute the estate

How Long Does It Take?

Typical timelines:

Probate: 4–8 weeks
Letters of Administration: 6–12 weeks

This depends on:

completeness of documents
whether there are complications (missing beneficiaries, disputes, or unclear wills)

We advise clearly on expectations and timelines from the outset.

How Much Does It Cost?

Fees depend on complexity, but as a general guide:

Straightforward probate matters (where there is a valid will and no complications): typically from $2,500 to $4,500
Letters of Administration: typically from $3,500 to $6,000

Factors that may affect fees include:

number and type of assets
whether additional affidavits are required
whether there are issues with the will or beneficiaries

We will review your matter at the outset and provide a clear, fixed fee quote before any work is done.

There are no hidden steps in the process.

What You Should Do Next

If you need to proceed:

Gather the following (if available):
- death certificate
- will (if any)
- list of assets
Send them to us for a review
We will revert within a short time with:
- whether probate / letters of administration is required
- the next steps
- a fee estimate

Why Clients Instruct Us as Their Probate Lawyer

Clear, practical advice
Straightforward process
Responsive communication
Transparent fees

We focus on getting the process done efficiently, without unnecessary complications.

Contact Us

If you need assistance with probate or letters of administration in Singapore, you can contact us to get started — we respond quickly and aim to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Email us at mc@markchenglaw.com to get started.