Choosing a Good Probate Lawyer in Singapore
When a loved one passes away, the experience is overwhelming. One of the most common questions families ask is:
“What do we do about the probate process?”
In Singapore, you cannot access your loved one’s bank accounts, property, CPF savings, or investments until the Court issues either a:
- Grant of Probate (if there is a valid will), or
- Letters of Administration (if there is no will).
These court orders legally empower the executor or administrator to collect the estate, settle debts, and distribute assets to the rightful beneficiaries.
Engaging an experienced probate lawyer in Singapore can make the difference between a smooth, efficient process and one filled with delays and disputes.
Why You Need a Specialist Probate Lawyer
1. Obtain Probate Quickly and Efficiently
Without a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, all the deceased’s assets – bank accounts, property, CPF funds, and insurance payouts – remain frozen.
A probate lawyer helps you:
- File the necessary documents with the Family Justice Courts
- Clear debts and pay outstanding bills
- Distribute the estate correctly and efficiently
In straightforward cases, probate in Singapore can be completed within 4 to 6 weeks.
2. Reduce Family Disputes and Conflicts
Disputes often arise over:
- The interpretation of a will
- Who should be administrator
- How assets are divided
A specialist probate lawyer:
- Provides clarity and transparency
- Ensures the process follows the law
- Acts as a neutral professional to reduce tension within families
3. Ensure Correct Filing of Legal Documents
The Court requires legal documents such as the Originating Summons, Statement, Supporting Affidavit, and Schedule of Assets.
Mistakes or incomplete submissions can cause applications to be rejected, delaying the entire process. A probate lawyer ensures:
- Correct drafting and filing of forms
- All supporting documents (death certificate, ID, will, title deeds) are complete
- Compliance with Court rules and deadlines
4. Avoid Unnecessary Delays
DIY probate applications often result in:
- Missing documents
- Errors in the Schedule of Assets
- Delays in gaining access to estate funds
Hiring a probate lawyer ensures beneficiaries can access funds faster for urgent expenses like funeral costs, mortgages, and medical bills.
5. Protect the Estate from Unjust Claims
In high-value estates, disputes and third-party claims are common. A probate lawyer can:
- Advise on how to respond to contested claims
- Protect beneficiaries from unjust demands
- Represent you in contested probate hearings if necessary
6. Understand CPF Nominations and Insurance Payouts
Not all assets form part of the probate estate:
- CPF savings: Distributed according to CPF nominations (not by will).
- Insurance policies: If there is a named beneficiary, proceeds go directly to them.
A probate lawyer helps you identify which assets require probate and which do not.
7. Guidance When There Is No Will (Intestate Succession)
If your loved one passed away without a will, their estate will be distributed under the Intestate Succession Act.
A probate lawyer can:
- Apply for Letters of Administration
- Ensure administrators are properly appointed (usually spouse, children, or parents)
- Guide families through Singapore’s intestacy rules
Probate Costs in Singapore – What to Expect
The cost of probate varies based on complexity:
- Uncontested probate / letters of administration: Typically range between $1,200 to $4,000 in Singapore.
- Contested probate: Legal fees are significantly higher due to disputes, multiple beneficiaries, and hearings.
Hiring a specialist probate lawyer often saves money in the long run by preventing rejections, avoiding disputes, and shortening the process.
Other Key Considerations
- HDB Flats: If the estate includes an HDB property, eligibility rules (Single Scheme, Single Parent Scheme) may apply.
- Minimum Marriage Duration & Foreign Spouses: In mixed marriages, retaining an HDB flat may be subject to restrictions.
- Mediation: In contested cases, the Court may direct parties to mediation to encourage settlement.
Speak to Our Probate Lawyers in Singapore
The probate process is often complex, blending court procedures with CPF, insurance, HDB, and intestacy rules. At PKWA Law, our specialist probate lawyers:
- Handle both probate and letters of administration applications
- Guide you through CPF and insurance payouts
- Advise on HDB and property division in probate
- Provide cost-effective solutions tailored to your family’s needs
Contact us today to speak with our experienced probate team and let us help you settle your loved one’s estate with clarity and care.
Fixed, clear & transparent fees
$1,390
For estates below $500k, no property, no minor beneficiaries
$2,390
For estates below $3 million
