Probate Lawyer Singapore

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult. Handling the legal process that follows can feel overwhelming, especially when there are deadlines, multiple family members involved, or financial institutions requesting court documents.

At JCP Law, we help executors and family members obtain the correct court grant and guide you through the next steps of estate administration clearly and efficiently, so you can move forward with confidence.

Which grant do you need?

Grant of Probate – where the deceased left a valid Will and you are the named executor

Letters of Administration – where there is no Will (or no executor is able to act)

If you’re not sure which applies, speak to our probate team and we’ll help you confirm the right approach.

What is Probate in Singapore?

In Singapore, “probate” refers to the legal process of obtaining court authority to manage and distribute a deceased person’s estate. In most cases, banks, CPF-related institutions, and other asset holders will not release the deceased’s assets until a court grant has been issued.

Depending on whether the deceased left a valid Will, the court will issue one of the following:

Grant of Probate – if there is a valid Will and an executor has been appointed

Letters of Administration – if there is no Will, or no executor is able to act

Once the grant is obtained, the executor or administrator can legally:

• Collect and secure the estate’s assets
• Settle outstanding debts and liabilities
• Distribute the estate to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will or intestacy laws

Important note:
Some assets (such as jointly owned property or CPF savings with a valid nomination) may pass outside probate. However, many estates still require a court grant before assets can be dealt with.

If you are unsure whether probate is required, our lawyers can advise you based on your family’s circumstances.

The Probate Process in Singapore

Many executors and family members come to us feeling unsure about what the probate process involves. While each estate is different, most applications follow a clear set of steps.

Here is what you can generally expect:

Step 1: Confirm whether a Will exists
We begin by establishing whether the deceased left a valid Will, and whether an executor has been appointed.

Step 2: Identify the correct court grant required
Depending on the circumstances, we will advise whether you should apply for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

Step 3: Gather the necessary documents and estate information
We assist you in preparing key information, including:

• Death certificate
• The original Will (if applicable)
• Details of beneficiaries and next-of-kin
• A list of the deceased’s assets and liabilities

Step 4: Prepare and file the probate application
Our lawyers will draft and submit the required court documents accurately and efficiently through the Family Justice Courts system.

Step 5: Court review and issuance of the Grant
Once approved, the court will issue the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, giving you the legal authority to deal with the estate.

Step 6: Estate administration and distribution
After the grant is extracted, we can continue to assist with:

• Communicating with banks and institutions
• Transferring property or investments
• Settling debts and expenses
• Distributing the estate to beneficiaries

Throughout the process, we aim to make probate as smooth and stress-free as possible, especially during what is often a difficult period for families.

Frequently asked questions