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How to file for a Grant of Probate
Before you file
Before you file, make sure you:
- Check that the deceased left a valid will and an application for probate is applicable to your case.
- Understand what it means to apply for probate and what the application process involves.
Note
This page only covers the process for cases where the deceased left a valid will and you are the executor(s) named in it. For other types of cases, you may wish to seek legal advice.
You may be eligible to use the Probate eService to file for a Grant of Probate if you meet certain criteria. The Probate eService is an online service that a named sole executor can use to apply for a Grant of Probate. The eService will assist the sole executor in preparing and submitting the required probate documents to the court.
The information below applies if you do not meet the criteria to use the Probate eService. If you are representing yourself, you will need to visit the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau to file all your documents.
Key facts
Refer to the following on how to apply for a Grant of Probate.
Who can file | |
When to file | Within 6 months from the deceased’s date of death. Note: If you are filing after 6 months, you must include the reason for the delay in the application form. |
How long it takes | Approximately 2 to 3 months, depending on case complexity. |
Which court to file the application in | For estates worth up to $5 million: The Family Courts. For estates worth above $5 million: The Family Division of the High Court. |
| How and where to file | Through the eLitigation filing system or the Probate eService (if you qualify to use the eService). If you are not eligible to use the Probate eService and do not have a lawyer, visit the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau. You are encouraged to book an appointment online before your visit. |
Note
You do not need a lawyer to represent you when filing for probate. However, you may choose to engage one if you need independent legal advice. The courts are not able to provide legal advice or recommend lawyers. Find out where to get help.
What you will need
You should prepare the following documents before apply for a Grant of Probate:
| The Originating Application for Probate Pursuant to the Probate and Administration Act 1934 (Form 162, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024 (DOCX, 33 KB)). | Book an appointment with and head down to the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau. You will be asked to provide information on the deceased and the estates.
For deaths that occurred before 15 December 2003, you will need to include in the Originating Application (under the section “Any other relevant information”) whether to the best of your knowledge, there are any caveats or probate applications in respect of the deceased’s estate. |
| The Schedule of Assets | Form 177, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024 (DOCX, 19 KB)
|
| The original will of the deceased | - |
| Renunciations of other executors | (Only applicable if other executors have given up their right to apply.)
Before filing, the other executors must swear or affirm the renunciations before a Commissioner for Oaths. |
You must also appear before a lawyer to certify true copies of all the following documents and any other documents before submitting them with your application:
| A certified true copy of the deceased's will | This must be certified as a true copy on every page. This is unless the Court authorizes for the certification by way of a cover page stating “This is a certified true copy of the will [and codicil(s) (where applicable)> of [name of deceased> dated [date>, pages [X> to [Y>. Such authorization will only be provided on a request being made to Court stating reasons and is subject to the Court’s approval. |
| A copy of the deceased's death certificate | If the deceased has been issued with a digitally verifiable Digital Death Certificate or Digital Death Extract by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, Singapore, a certified true copy is not required. |
| A copy of the death certificates of other executors (view a sample) | (Only if applicable) If the deceased has been issued with a digitally verifiable Digital Death Certificate or Digital Death Extract by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, Singapore, a certified true copy is not required. |
| A copy of the Inheritance Certificate | (Only applicable for Muslim estates.) This can be obtained from the Syariah Court. |
Estimated fees
Application fees vary depending on the case. If you are filing through the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau, the estimated fees include:
Item or service | Fee |
|---|---|
Optional search for probate cases and caveats when filing the Originating Application |
|
File the Originating Application | $210 to $240 (depending on whether you require only an electronic Grant or a printed Grant with embossed court seal) |
File the Schedule of Assets | $15 |
File a certified true copy of a death certificate | $15 |
File a certified true copy of the will | $25 |
File the renunciation of other executor(s) | $25 |
File other supporting documents | $15 |
Note:
- This table includes the fees listed in Part 4 of the Third Schedule of the Family Justice (Probate and Other Matters) Rules 2024 additional fees.
How to file
You may choose to file personally or through a lawyer. If you are represented by a lawyer, the application will be filed by your lawyer.
If you are representing yourself, follow these steps to file the application.
Step | Where to go |
|---|---|
| 1. (Optional) Check the court’s record for related cases and caveats | LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau. |
| 2. File the application | LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau. |
| 3. Present the original will for verification | The Family Justice Courts' Probate Counter. |
You may consider conducting a search of the court's record of probate cases and caveats filed in relation to the deceased's estate.
Refer to the following on how to conduct a search.
Where to go | The LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau. |
How to do it | Provide the deceased's identification number. |
When to do it | The search should be done on the day you file the probate application and for the present year. |
Note: You may wish to seek legal advice if there are pending cases or caveats in force against the estate.
Submit the prepared documents at the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau on the same day that you conduct the search on probate cases and caveats.
The Service Bureau will prepare the Originating Application and Schedule of Assets using the information you provide, and will file the documents on your behalf.
You must also present the original will for verification at the Probate Counter during operation hours. This must be done by 4.30pm on the next operating day of the Probate Counter after filing your application. The Probate Counter will return the original will after verification.
After you file
Your application will be considered by the court after you file.
The LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau will notify you via email or SMS of whether your application documents have been accepted by the court. You will need to return to the Service Bureau to collect your documents after that.
If the application is in order
If the application is in order, the court will accept the documents, assign a case number to your application and schedule a hearing date.
The court will issue sealed versions of the Originating Application and Schedule of Assets. These will bear a court seal. You will need to visit the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau to collect the documents.
Tip
Refer to the top left-hand corner of the front page of the Originating Summons for the case number and hearing date. The case number may be a Family Court Probate (FC/P) number or a Family Division of the High Court Probate (HCF/P) number.
You will need to prepare and file a Supporting Affidavit (Form 163, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024 (DOCX, 21 KB)) within 14 days after filing the Originating Application.
If the application is not in order
If there are errors with the application, the court will reject the documents and indicate the reasons for rejection. You will need to visit the LawNet & CrimsonLogic Service Bureau to collect the rejected documents and reasons.
You will need to correct the errors and submit the documents again.
Need help?
The information here is for general guidance as the courts do not provide legal advice. If you need further help, you may want to get independent legal advice.
Find out moreResources
Refer to:
- Probate and Administration Toolkit (PDF, 1652 KB).
- Specimen Government Medical Certificate (DOCX, 18 KB) for absence from court attendance.
Legislation associated with this topic includes:
- Probate and Administration Act.
- Wills Act.
- Intestate Succession 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.
Related questions
It is optional for you to search the court’s record for related cases and caveats before you file your application. However, you may consider making such a search for potentially contentious estates or to avoid having your application rejected in certain instances, for example where a grant had already been issued for the same estate.
Other cases or caveats in relation to the deceased's estate may prevent the court from issuing a grant of probate or letters of administration. Generally, there can only be one valid grant in relation to an estate at any time. If there are competing or contested applications for the same estate, the parties will have to decide how to proceed. You may wish to seek legal advice if there are competing or contested applications for a grant.
A caveat acts as a formal notice that there is an interest in the estate. The court is required by law to give the person who has filed the caveat the opportunity to contest or challenge any application for a grant.
The caveat search will show all of the following:
- Whether there are any caveats filed against the estate
- The status of the caveats (for example, whether it is “in force” or “withdrawn”).
You may wish to seek legal advice if there are caveats in force against the estate.
You need to declare all the assets making up the deceased's estates through the Schedule of Assets (Form 177, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024 (DOCX, 19 KB)). The court will use the document to confirm the value of the estate and determine the value of the administration bond for letters of administration in certain circumstances. The Schedule of Assets may also be used by beneficiaries and creditors to ascertain the assets of the estate.
- If your filing commenced before 15 October 2024, you must instead declare all the assets making up the deceased's estates through the Schedule of Assets (From 226, Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2015 (DOCX, 37 KB)).
You must declare the assets accurately. To obtain the required information, you may contact the relevant institutions that deal with the assets. (Note: These institutions may impose fees or conditions for providing information.)
Go to Step-by-step guide
Step-by-step guide
File an application for probate
File the further supporting documents
(If needed) Attend a probate hearing
Issuance of the grant
File an application, if needed
2023/04/12
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