Probate & Letters of Administration
“The firm packages most of its legal services with an all-inclusive fixed fee that is affordable for all.”
The Straits Times
What does a probate lawyer do?
When a loved one passes away, someone has to take charge of their estate (money, property and other assets). The assets have to be “unlocked” and distributed to the lawful beneficiaries.
For over 30 years, PKWA probate lawyers have helped countless families to obtain a Grant of Probate (where there is a will) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (where there is no will). These Grants are required so that the executor and administrator can manage the deceased’s estate and distribute the inheritance to the lawful beneficiaries.
A leading probate law firm with affordable fixed fees
Our probate fees start from $990 and are fixed, clear and transparent from the outset. We offer a free initial consultation to understand your situation.
PKWA family and probate lawyers are consistently named as leading Singapore lawyers by the Straits Times, Benchmark Litigation, Asian Legal Business, Singapore Business Review and Doyle’s Guide. Our firm has more than 130 employees and 30 years of history. Our clients include all the major banks such as DBS, UOB, OCBC and Maybank. We are a safe and trusted choice.
When a loved one has passed away, families consult PKWA’s team of experienced probate lawyers to obtain a Grant of Probate or Letter of Administration and for advice on estate administration and the rules of inheritance.
We typically obtain a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of Administration within one month. We are here to help and to obtain your probate quickly during this difficult time.
The Grant of Probate
If the deceased person left a will, executors must apply for a Grant of Probate. The process is as follows:
- The executor is the person named in the will;
- The executor will apply to the court for the Grant of Probate.
- The executor pays off the deceased person’s liabilities and distributes the assets according to the will.
- The Grant of Probate must be applied for within six months of the deceased’s death.
Letters of Administration
If the deceased person did not leave behind a will, an application for Letters of Administration must be made.
- The administrator is a person appointed by the court to manage and distribute the estate of a deceased person according to the Intestate Succession Act.
- Generally, the deceased’s immediate family members may appoint one of the family members to apply for the Letters of Administration. For example, based on the order of priority, if the children of the deceased wish to be administrator(s), the deceased’s surviving spouse should renounce their right to apply for Letters of Administration.
- At least two administrators must be appointed if one or more estate beneficiaries are below 21 years of age.
- The estate administrator(s) will have to pay off the deceased’s outstanding taxes, loans, funeral and legal expenses.
- After the administrator has paid off the deceased’s outstanding liabilities, they must distribute the remaining estate according to the Intestate Succession Act.
What do we do?
Our probate lawyers will explain and guide you through all aspects of probate and estate administration. Where the deceased has died intestate (without a will), we will advise you on dealing with the Letters of Administration.
Once the Court has issued the Grant of Probate or the Grant of Letters of Administration, you may then bring this Grant to the various institutions (e.g. banks, the Housing & Development Board (“HDB”), insurance companies) to claim the assets and to distribute them.























































































































































Fixed, clear & transparent fees
Probate
Grant of Probate
From $990
Letter of Administration
From $990
We are here to help
Why clients choose us
Our fees are fixed and affordable from the outset so that you can have peace of mind.
Our lawyers are recognized as leading family lawyers by the Straits Times, and other leading publications.
Frequently asked questions
What documents should I bring along?
When dealing with a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration we usually only need 1 to 2 meetings to get everything prepared. When coming for your meeting, you will need to bring along the following documents:
For Grant of Probate
- Original Will of the deceased ;
- Original Death Certificate of the deceased ;
- Original NRIC of the executors.
For Letters of Administration
- Original death certificate of the deceased person;
- Original NRIC of the administrator; and
- Photocopies of NRIC and Birth Certificates of all the beneficiaries.
Do I really need to hire a lawyer?
Whilst it is possible to apply for probate without a lawyer, the process is complex and time consuming. There is a large volume of documents to be completed and submitted. Given the circumstances, it is highly advisable to hire a reputable law firm to handle the matter on your behalf. It will save you a significant amount of time and effort, whilst also ensuring a successful application.
How long does the process take?
Assuming the matter is not contentious, it typically takes around 1-2 months to complete the process.
Meet some of our probate & letters of administration lawyers
Client testimonials
Eddie Tan
Esther Tan
Mong See Kim
Anna Hoong
Charlotte Ng
Kathleen Agnes Stella Paton
Janet Ho
Aries Ying
Phoebe Chow
KS Tan
David Lim
Vincent Loo
Jia Min
Desmond Tan
Teo Lay Heong Jennifer
Steve Liow
Margaret Wee
Pek Patrick
Yeo Peck Koon
Adeline SM Lim
Kok Hoong Yeow
Ted Chen
Clamond Tan
Chin Peggy
Wan Fook Loh
Lois Tan
Alice Ho
WF Kong
Jon Low
Khairul Jamil
Albert Lee
Siva
Selene Shin
Wang Lily
YF Kng
Jonathan Chew
Helen Kwek
Fiona Zheng
Belinda Chong
Myrna T
Jon Jambu
Yuh Shing Tay
Nursidah Malik
MT
Leng
Al-hanan Mohamad
SA
Our awards and accolades
Featured articles
5 Reasons to Hire a Good Probate Lawyer
If a loved one has just passed away, it is naturally stressful and difficult to understand what to do about the probate process. You will need to get a good probate lawyer to...
5 Tips for Quick Probate Obtainment
The probate lawyers at PKWA Law usually obtain Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration within 4 to 6 weeks. The quicker the Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration...
What Happens to Your Assets if You Die Without a Will?
What happens to your assets if you die without a will? This article is useful for you if you wonder what will happen to your assets if you die without making a will. This...
5 Reasons to Hire a Good Probate Lawyer
If a loved one has just passed away, it is naturally stressful and difficult to understand what to do about the probate process. You will need to get a good probate lawyer to...
5 Tips for Quick Probate Obtainment
The probate lawyers at PKWA Law usually obtain Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration within 4 to 6 weeks. The quicker the Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration...
What Happens to Your Assets if You Die Without a Will?
What happens to your assets if you die without a will? This article is useful for you if you wonder what will happen to your assets if you die without making a will. This...