Apply for probate

What is a Grant of Probate

A Grant of Probate legally recognises an individual as the executor of the deceased's estate. The appointed individual manages the deceased's property. This includes distributing the estate to the beneficiaries after payment of the deceased's debts and other expenses.

Who can apply

You can apply for a Grant of Probate if both of these conditions are met:

The deceased has left a valid will (as defined in the Wills Act).
The will has named you as the executor of the estate.
- This means you are the person appointed to manage the deceased's estate.

Note

Before applying for a grant

Before you apply for a grant, find out:

What assets there are.
- Some assets like money in the deceased's Central Provident Fund (CPF) account, immovable property held under a joint tenancy with no outstanding mortgage, and some insurance policies with nominations may be distributed without a grant.
The value of the assets.
- If the estate is below $50,000, you may be able to apply for the Public Trustee to administer the estate if you satisfy certain criteria.
If any foreign person is entitled to an estate or interest in residential property.
- If so, the estate or interest must be transferred to the beneficiaries or sold within 5 years from the date of death, as required under the Residential Property Act.

Apply for probate step-by-step

This is the process of filing an application for probate for cases where the deceased left a valid will and you are the executor(s) named in it.

For other types of probate cases, you may wish to seek legal advice.

Note

When filing

File an application for probate

Find out the documents you need to prepare and the steps to file for a Grant of Probate.

How to file for a Grant of Probate

After filing

File the further supporting documents

After filing the application, you will need to file further supporting documents. If your submissions are in order, the court may grant the application without a hearing.

File the supporting documents (probate or administration)

(If needed) Attend a probate hearing

You may need to attend court in some cases, for example, if your documents are incomplete.

Going to court for a probate or administration hearing

After an order is made

Issuance of the grant

After the court has approved your application and all relevant supporting documents including the Schedule of Assets, the court will issue the Grant of Probate. Grants are issued electronically. If required, you may also request a printed grant (a physical grant with an embossed court seal).

If the organisation holding the deceased's assets requires a certified true copy of the grant to deal with the assets, find out how to apply for a certified true copy .

Issuance of the probate or administration grant

File an application, if needed

If you are not satisfied with a decision made by the court, you may file an appeal.

Family Justice Courts appeals

2023/04/12

Tip

Resources

Refer to:

Specimen Government Medical Certificate (DOCX, 18 KB) for absence from court attendance.

List of 20 Common Errors for Non-Contentious Probate and Resealing Applications (PDF, 171 KB)

Table of eLitigation Options when Filing Specified Applications under Probate and Administration Act (PDF, 220 KB)

Legislation associated with this topic includes:

Probate and Administration Act.
Intestate Succession Act.
Wills Act.
Administration of Muslim Law Act.
Legitimacy Act.
Family Justice Act.
For filings commenced on or after 15 October 2024, refer to:
- Part 6 of the Family Justice (Probate and Other Matters) Rules 2024.
For filings commenced before 15 October 2024, refer to:
- Part 14 of the Family Justice Rules 2014.

For filings commenced on or after 15 October 2024, refer to:
- Part 24 of the Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024.
For filings commenced before 15 October 2024, refer to:
- Part XII of the Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2015.