Singapore Probate Quote
Our Singapore probate quote gives you our estimated legal fees and disbursements upfront. Loh Eben Ong LLP prices each matter on three points: who applies for the grant, where the deceased lived, and what the estate holds. Answer those points below. We will then email our estimate to you.
- Grant of Probate – the deceased left a valid Will, and an executor can apply.
- Letters of Administration – the deceased left no valid Will. This also covers a Will where no executor can apply.
- Resealing of a foreign grant – you hold a grant from Malaysia, a Commonwealth country or Hong Kong. We reseal it here.
How our Singapore probate quote works
- Complete the form. Tell us about the deceased, the estate and the application you need.
- Receive your quote. We email our estimated probate fees and disbursements to you (terms apply).
- Engage us online. Ready to proceed? Submit your application online, then send your papers through our probate documents upload form.
- Meet our lawyers. Finally, book your engagement appointment through our online booking system. You can also book a probate consultation first (fees apply).
Types of probate applications in Singapore
Each application takes a different route through the Family Justice Courts. The type you choose therefore drives both the paperwork and the fee. These descriptions match the options in the quote form.
Grant of Probate (deceased domiciled in Singapore)
The deceased left a valid Will. At least one executor named in the Will is alive, and that executor applies for the grant. We review a copy of the Will first, because signing irregularities can add extra work.
Letters of Administration (deceased domiciled in Singapore)
Here the deceased left no valid Will. The same applies when a Will exists but no executor can apply. The Intestate Succession Act then sets the shares, and the closest entitled relative applies for the grant.
Letters of Administration with a minor or a beneficiary lacking capacity
Is a beneficiary under 21? Does an adult beneficiary lack mental capacity? The court then usually asks for an administration bond and two sureties. We ask about sureties in the form, because the bond tracks the value of the estate.
Resealing of a Malaysian grant
You may already hold a Malaysian grant for a deceased who lived in Malaysia. We reseal that grant here. This route avoids a fresh Singapore application.
Resealing of a Commonwealth or Hong Kong grant
The same route covers a grant from a Commonwealth country or Hong Kong. A grant from England is a common example. The deceased must have lived in that country.
Probate where the deceased died domiciled outside Singapore
The deceased lived outside Singapore and left a Will wholly in English. An executor named in that Will can apply here for the Singapore assets.
Letters of Administration where the deceased died domiciled outside Singapore
Sometimes there is no Will, or the Will is not in English. The court may then ask for an affidavit of foreign law. A lawyer in the country of domicile prepares it, and that step adds cost. For this reason we ask for the country of domicile.
Grant limited to immovable property
Sometimes only a Singapore property matters. A grant limited to immovable property can then be the shorter route. Please tell us in the message box if that fits your matter.
What affects your Singapore probate quote
- The application itself. Probate, letters of administration and resealing each need different affidavits and schedules.
- Domicile of the deceased. A foreign domicile often adds translation work, and sometimes an affidavit of foreign law.
- Gross value of the estate. Gross assets above S$5 million go to the Family Division of the High Court. The fee rises accordingly.
- Minors and mental capacity. A bond with two sureties adds steps before the court issues the grant.
- Language of the Will. A Will in another language needs a certified translation.
- Muslim estates. A Muslim estate also needs an Inheritance Certificate from the Syariah Court. Muslim law then sets the shares.
- Foreign documents. A foreign death certificate may need translation, notarisation or legalisation.
- Letters of Authority. Our quotes cover the first four letters to banks, insurers, share registrars and the Central Depository. Extra letters cost more.
- Assets in the estate. An HDB flat, private property, CPF monies, shares, insurance policies and overseas assets each need their own follow-up.
Documents required for a probate application
Our help centre lists the checklist for every application in Documents Required for Probate Matters. You can also browse all our probate FAQs. After you engage us, send everything through the probate documents upload form. Would you rather talk first? Our Singapore probate lawyers advise at a consultation. Families who plan ahead can also use our wills quote.
Singapore probate quote FAQs
How much does probate cost in Singapore?
The cost tracks the type of grant, the domicile of the deceased and the size of the estate. We therefore quote per matter, rather than publish one figure. Our email separates legal fees from disbursements such as court filing fees.
How long does a probate application take?
The timeline depends on your documents and on the court’s queries. We prepare and file the papers once we have the death certificate, the Will and the asset details. The court then reviews the application and issues the grant.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for probate?
An applicant may apply in person. However, the affidavits, schedules of assets and court forms are technical. Most families therefore ask a probate lawyer to run the application.
Is the quote fixed?
The quote is an estimate. It reflects what you tell us in the form. We confirm the fee in writing after we review your documents, and we flag any extra work then.
What happens if the deceased was a Muslim?
A Muslim estate needs an Inheritance Certificate from the Syariah Court. That certificate names the beneficiaries and their shares. We then apply for the grant on that basis.
What if the deceased lived outside Singapore?
We can still apply here for the Singapore assets. The court may ask for an affidavit of foreign law, so please give us the country of domicile.
Can you help after the court issues the grant?
Yes. We send Letters of Authority to banks, insurers and the Central Depository. We also help you transfer or sell estate property.
This page gives general information about probate in Singapore. It is not legal advice.