遗嘱认证书和遗产管理书之间有什么区别？

A Grant of Probate is a court order that authorises the executor named in a valid will to manage and distribute the deceased’s estate. This includes closing bank accounts, selling or transferring property, settling debts, and ensuring that beneficiaries receive their rightful inheritance. Without probate, financial institutions and government bodies will not release estate assets.

A Grant of Probate is issued when the deceased left behind a valid Will. The executor named in the Will applies for this Grant, which authorises them to collect the deceased’s assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate according to the Will.

By contrast, Letters of Administration (LOA) are required when the deceased passed away without a valid Will. The Court appoints an administrator—usually a spouse or close family member—to manage and distribute the estate. Distribution must follow the Intestate Succession Act (for non-Muslims) or Muslim inheritance laws.

The main difference lies in whether a Will exists: Probate follows the deceased’s wishes, while Administration follows statutory rules.

Only the executor(s) named in the will can apply. If more than one executor is appointed, they may apply jointly or renounce in favour of the others. If there is no valid will, probate is not available — the next of kin must instead apply for Letters of Administration (see our separate guide on Probate vs LOA for more details).

假设此事没有争议，通常大约需要 1 - 2 个月完成。

For very simple estates, probate fees in Singapore may start from about $1,500. Estates with higher values or multiple assets usually involve higher fees.

PKWA Law offers fixed-fee probate packages with pricing confirmed upfront, giving you clarity and certainty from the start.

Click here to view our affordable fixed-fee probate packages.

The executor must file with the Family Justice Courts:

Originating Summons to commence the application.

• A Statement with details of the deceased and the will.
• A Supporting Affidavit, including the death certificate and certified copy of the will.
• A Schedule of Assets, listing all assets and liabilities (in Singapore and abroad, if any).

These documents enable the Court to confirm the will’s validity and ensure proper distribution of the estate.

Disputes can arise if:

• The validity of the will is challenged (e.g., claims of undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution).
• Beneficiaries disagree over how assets should be divided.
• Questions arise about whether the executor is acting fairly or transparently.

In such cases, the probate process can shift from uncontested to contested probate, which may involve court hearings and significantly longer timelines. The Court will examine evidence, hear arguments from all parties, and make rulings to ensure a just outcome. Having an experienced probate lawyer is crucial in navigating these disputes and protecting your rights.

CPF savings (Ordinary, Special, MediSave, and Retirement Accounts, plus accrued interest) are not part of a person’s estate and do not go through probate.

• If there is a valid CPF Nomination, the CPF Board pays the monies directly to the nominees.
• If there is no nomination, CPF transfers the monies to the Public Trustee’s Office (PTO) for distribution under the Intestate Succession Act (for non-Muslims) or Muslim inheritance law (Faraid) (for Muslims).

Other important points to note:

• CPFIS investments (unit trusts, shares, etc. bought under CPFIS) are not covered by CPF nominations. They belong to the estate and usually require probate/LOA.
• Property bought with CPF is still an estate asset. Upon death, there is no refund back to CPF; the property (or sale proceeds) is handled as part of the estate.
• CPF LIFE bequests and unused annuity premiums are distributed under CPF nominations, not probate.
• DPS (Dependants’ Protection Scheme) insurance payouts follow the insurer’s nomination. If no nomination exists, the payout goes into the estate.