Resealing a Foreign Grant of Probate in Singapore

“Hailed as a leading specialist for probate and family law in Singapore. PKWA Law has earned its rank as one of the top family law firms in the 2019 edition of Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific. The firm packages most of its legal services with an all-inclusive fixed fee that is affordable for all.” – The Straits Times

Resealing a Foreign Grant of Probate in Singapore

PKWA Law is an established, award-winning probate law firm renowned for its friendly services and affordable probate fees. For over 30 years, our experienced probate and inheritance lawyers have assisted foreign law firms and overseas families where the deceased, not domiciled in Singapore, has assets in Singapore.  We assist by either applying for a Resealing of Probate or by applying for a fresh Grant.  The Resealing or the application for a fresh Grant is essential for the executor to unlock and distribute the Singapore assets to the beneficiaries.

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Our fees are fixed, clear, and transparent. We are dedicated to ensuring you receive full value with no unexpected costs, making us one of the most cost-effective choices in Singapore.

When is Resealing of Probate Required?

If a person domiciled overseas passes away and has assets in Singapore, their executor must obtain a Singapore court order to manage these assets. Singapore does not recognize foreign Grants of Probate, so the executor must apply for resealing of the original probate in Singapore.

How to Get a Singapore Court Order

Commonwealth Countries or Hong Kong: Executors can apply to reseal the foreign Grant of Probate in Singapore. This process typically takes about 2 months for a Grant of Probate and 3 months for a Letter of Administration.

Non-Commonwealth Countries: Executors must apply for a fresh Grant of Probate in Singapore, usually taking about 6 months.  Applying for a fresh Grant of Probate is more complicated, as we have to get in touch with a foreign lawyer from the deceased country to prepare court affidavits.

Application Process

Executors may apply for resealing in Singapore if:

• The deceased was domiciled in a Commonwealth country or Hong Kong.
• The deceased has assets in Singapore.
• Executors have already obtained a Grant of Probate from the home country.

All applications for Resealing are made to the High Court (Family Division). The Singapore court must be satisfied that the original will and grant of probate were made according to the laws of the original jurisdiction. Upon validation, the foreign Grant of Probate will be in force in Singapore.

If however the deceased is not from a Commonwealth country, or if he is from a Commonwealth country but he did not apply for probate in his Commonweath country, resealing is not possible and the family must apply for a fresh Grant of Probate or a fresh Grant of Letter of Administraiton in Singapore.  This process can take about 6 months.

Why Choose PKWA Law?

PKWA Law’s probate lawyers are consistently recognised as leading Singapore lawyers by the Straits Times, Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacifc, Asian Legal Business, Singapore Business Review, and Doyle’s Guide. With over 100 employees and 30 years of history, we are a trusted choice.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact us at PKWA Law. Let our experienced team assist you with your probate needs.