Probate and Administration of Estates
A will that says what you mean, and help for families applying to the court after a death.
General information on wills, probate and estates in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
In our words
Speak to
- Julian Changjulian.chang@dominionlaw.com.sg
- Ronnie Waironniewai@dominionlaw.com.sg
- Arthur Quayarthurquay@dominionlaw.com.sg
We assist and advise clients on probate matters, estate planning and drafting of Wills. We also represent Executors and Administrators in applying to court for Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration including Re-sealing of Foreign Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration.
What we handle
Fees
Fees depend on the scope of the matter. Ask us for a quote.
| WillTaking your instructions and preparing a will for you to sign. | On enquiry |
|---|---|
| Grant of ProbateApplying to court on behalf of the executors named in a will. | On enquiry |
| Letters of AdministrationApplying to court when there is no will. | On enquiry |
Where to start
Call either office or email us with a short outline of your matter, and one of our directors will advise on the next step.
Common questions
What happens if someone dies without a will in Singapore?
The estate is shared out under the Intestate Succession Act, which gives fixed shares to the spouse, children, parents and other relatives in a set order. Before anything can be distributed, a family member has to apply to court for letters of administration. Muslim estates follow Muslim law instead.
Read the full guide →What makes a will valid in Singapore?
Under the Wills Act, the person making the will must be at least 21 and of sound mind, and must sign it in writing at the end in front of two witnesses who are present together. The witnesses then sign in that person's presence, and neither should be a beneficiary or a beneficiary's spouse.
Read the full guide →How do I choose an executor (and a guardian for my children)?
An executor must be at least 21, of sound mind and not bankrupt, and can also be a beneficiary. Choose someone trustworthy and organised, ask them first, and name a back-up. Parents of children under 21 can also appoint a testamentary guardian in their will.
Read the full guide →What does a will not cover?
CPF savings go to your CPF nominees, not under your will. Insurance with a valid nomination pays the nominee directly, and property or accounts held as joint tenants pass automatically to the surviving owner. A will also has no effect while you are alive, which is what a Lasting Power of Attorney is for.
Read the full guide →What is the difference between probate and letters of administration?
Both are court orders giving someone authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. A grant of probate is issued to the executor named in a valid will. Letters of administration are issued when there is no valid will, usually to a close family member, and the estate is then shared under the Intestate Succession Act.
Read the full guide →How does applying for a grant of probate work?
The executor finds the original will, gets the death certificate, lists and values the assets and debts, and files an application with the Family Justice Courts. Once the court is satisfied, it issues the grant, which the executor uses to collect the assets, pay the debts and distribute the estate under the will.
Read the full guide →Can a foreign grant of probate be used in Singapore?
Not directly. A grant issued abroad generally has to be resealed by the Singapore court, which then treats it as if it had been issued here. Resealing is available for grants from Commonwealth countries; otherwise a fresh Singapore grant is needed.
Read the full guide →Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Have questions?
Send us a quick note below and let's figure things out together.