Probate Lawyers in Singapore
When someone dies, nothing in their estate can be dealt with until the court grants someone the authority to deal with it. We obtain that grant for you, and stay on for the parts of what follows that need a lawyer.
- S$2,500 Fixed fee, all inclusive
- 4 to 6 weeks Typical time to the grant
Clear, predictable probate fees.
What these fees assume
Grant of Probate
- A valid original will
- All original documents, including the death certificate, marriage certificate and birth certificates
- One executor
- No beneficiary under 21, and all of sound mental capacity
- All assets known, with a total value not exceeding S$3 million
- No disputes
- No translations required
Letters of Administration
- All original documents, including the death certificate, marriage certificate and birth certificates
- One administrator
- No beneficiary under 21, and all of sound mental capacity
- All assets known, with a total value not exceeding S$3 million
- No disputes
- No translations required
How long does probate take in Singapore?
- Before filing Gathering the documents We establish whether there is a valid will, confirm which grant you need, and collect the death certificate, the will, and details of the beneficiaries, assets and liabilities.
- 4 to 6 weeks The court issues the grant Once the papers are filed, the Grant of Probate or the Letters of Administration is usually extracted within four to six weeks.
- After the grant Administering the estate With grant in hand you can start administering the estate. This includes aspects like talking to banks, insurers and so forth. For any property related transactions we can assist as required, but additional fees would apply.
Four to six weeks from filing, for a straightforward estate. Collecting the documents is what usually sets the pace, and it is the part you can start on today.
Why work with JCP Law for probate
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.
Our probate lawyers get executors and family members the correct court grant, and set out plainly what you will need to do once you have it.
- A fixed fee of S$2,500 for either grant, with the court fees included rather than added afterwards
- We tell you at the outset which grant applies to your situation
- Straightforward estates reach the grant in about four to six weeks from filing
- Where an estate falls outside our fixed-fee conditions, you get the figure in writing before any work starts
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.
If you are here because someone else’s estate has shown you the value of getting your own affairs in order, our will writing page sets out what a will decides and, just as importantly, what it does not.
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.
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
With the grant in hand you can start administering the estate, and most of this stage is yours rather than ours. It is talking to banks, insurers and the other institutions holding the assets, presenting the grant to each one and completing their forms. It is more administration than law, and it helps to know that in advance.
For any property related transactions we can assist as required, though additional fees would apply. The fixed fee above covers obtaining the grant.
Probate in Singapore: frequently asked questions
How much does a probate lawyer cost in Singapore?
Our fee is S$2,500 for either a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, and it includes the court fees rather than adding them afterwards. That figure assumes a straightforward estate, and the conditions are set out in full under the fees above. Where an estate falls outside them, we tell you what it will cost in writing before any work begins.
Does every estate need probate?
No. Some assets pass outside the estate entirely: property held in joint names usually passes to the surviving owner, and CPF savings with a valid nomination go to the nominees without a grant. Most estates still need one, because banks and other institutions will not release what they hold until a court grant is produced. If you are not sure, it is worth asking before you start collecting documents.
Do I need Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration?
Where there is a valid will, you can apply for a Grant of Probate. Where there is no valid will, you would apply for Letters of Administration.
Do I need a lawyer for probate?
Technically you can handle a grant of probate or letter of administration application yourself, however the volume of documents to be collated, and forms to be completed is very significant.
It is advisable to hire a lawyer with experience in handling the process to ensure accuracy of document collection, form completion etc.
How long does grant of probate take?
Assuming it is not contentious, and you hire a lawyer, it will usually be ready in about 4-6 weeks after all the documents are collected and filed.
How long does letter of administration take?
Once the necessary court documents are filed, it should take around 4-6 weeks to extract the Letters of Administration.
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