Grant of probate
Probate lawyer in Singapore
A Grant of Probate confirms the executor’s authority to administer an estate under a valid will. The application depends on accurate documents, the original will and a complete account of the estate.
Book a Free Initial ConsultationWhat should an executor establish first?
Confirm that the deceased left a valid will, identify every named executor, locate the original and check whether another probate case or caveat exists. Secure estate property and collect records without distributing assets.
The Family Justice Courts provide a filing route for an executor applying for probate. A sole executor may be eligible for the Probate eService, while other applications use the relevant court process.
Probate
What information does the executor need for the application?
Identify any missing document, executor difficulty or caveat early. The grant and the work of administering the estate are separate stages.
- Will and executors
- Locate the original will if available and identify the appointed executors.
- Supporting information
- Organise the death certificate and current asset and liability information.
- Application issues
- Explain any missing original, executor difficulty, caveat or dispute.
- After the grant
- Plan for collection, liabilities, accounts and lawful distribution using the wider administration guide.
What documents are needed?
Core material includes the will, death certificate, executor details and information for the originating application. Later documents support the grant and Schedule of Assets.
Renunciation, foreign documents, name differences, missing originals or earlier grants may require additional evidence. Use current forms.
Why does the original will matter?
The court process requires the original will to be presented for verification in applicable filings. Its physical condition, markings and custody may become relevant.
Store it securely. Avoid stapling, repairing, writing on or separating pages.
What belongs in the Schedule of Assets?
List assets and liabilities with enough information for identification and administration, including bank accounts, securities, property, companies and relevant foreign interests.
If information is incomplete, record the gap and use the appropriate court or institutional process. Do not estimate without a basis.
What if there are several executors?
Check which executors will apply, whether anyone renounces or reserves power, and whether the will imposes joint requirements.
The choice affects documents, authority and later administration. It should be settled before filing.
What happens if there is a caveat or dispute?
A caveat signals that the grant should not issue without notice to the caveator. The executor may need advice on warning the caveat, the asserted interest and contested procedure.
Do not treat a disputed will or appointment as routine probate. Preserve assets and documents.
What happens after the grant?
The executor collects assets, pays proper liabilities and expenses, handles tax and claims, keeps accounts and distributes according to the will.
Institutions may require an electronic grant or certified true copy. Foreign assets may require another process.
How can Justin Chan Chambers help?
Advice can prepare the application, resolve document issues and guide the executor through administration or a developing dispute.
Provide the original will, death certificate, executor and beneficiary details, asset information and any search or caveat record.
What should you prepare for an initial review?
- Original will and codicils
- Death certificate and identity details
- Executor and beneficiary information
- Asset and liability schedule
- Renunciation or foreign documents
- Probate searches, caveats or earlier applications
Frequently asked questions
It is the court grant recognising the executor’s authority to administer the estate under the will.
The Family Justice Courts provide self-represented filing routes for qualifying applications. Legal advice may help where documents, parties, foreign assets or disputes are complex.
Do not assume a copy will be accepted. The circumstances, evidence and applicable court process require specific advice.
The court provides a renunciation form and process. The effect on the remaining appointment should be reviewed before filing.
No. The grant gives authority. The executor must still collect assets, address liabilities, keep accounts and distribute lawfully.
The application becomes potentially contentious. The caveator’s interest and current probate rules should be assessed before the next step.
Primary Singapore sources
The following official sources were checked on 18 September 2026. They provide general information and may change.
Discuss probate and the executor’s next step
Bring the will and death certificate if available, executor details and the current asset and liability information. Explain any missing document or dispute. Advice can identify what further material the application requires.