Grant of Probate application process
This process can take approximately 2 to 3 months, depending on case complexity.
File the application
The intended executor must prepare documents to submit with the application. A lawyer can help with this. If you’re filing the application yourself, visit the Service Bureau and follow these steps .
Submit supporting documents by the court’s deadline
After the application is filed, the court will provide the executor with a probate case number, deadlines to submit documents, and a hearing date.
Receive the Grant of Probate
After all the required documents have been filed and submitted, the court will issue the Grant of Probate.
File the application
Submit these documents through the court’s electronic filing system:
Originating Application
the deceased's digital death certificate, or a certified true copy
a certified true copy of the person's will
The original will needs to be presented at the Probate Counter for its verification, by 4.30pm the next working day following the submission of the above documents.
To prepare these, your lawyer may need you to share other documents, such as:
the deceased's death certificate
the deceased's original will
the executor's NRIC or passport
a list of all the assets and liabilities owned by the deceased with supporting documents (for example, bank statements, insurance policies, and tax invoices)
the Muslim Inheritance Certificate from the Syariah Court, if applicable.
Your application will be considered by the court after you file.
The 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.
Submit supporting documents by the court’s deadline
Within 14 days after filing the application, you must submit these supporting documents:
Administration Oath
Supporting Affidavit (to confirm on oath that the information and documents you have submitted to the court are true and accurate)
Schedule of Assets
After you submit these documents, the court will give you a probate case number, deadlines to submit documents, and a hearing date. Depending on the documents submitted, you may be required to attend a court hearing.
Find out what to prepare and expectIf all your documents are accepted before the hearing date, the court may grant the application without a hearing. They’ll inform you through a letter not to attend the scheduled hearing.
If you need more time to prepare the documents, you may ask the court for more time to do so. This is subject to the court’s approval.
The court will only issue the Grant of Probate if:
you've already submitted the Schedule of Assets
all documents are in order
You or your lawyer will receive the Grant of Probate.
If your Schedule of Assets is not ready
The court may grant an Order-in-Terms using the affidavit. When the Schedule of Assets is ready, you can submit it along with another affidavit.
What the executor must do after receiving the Grant of Probate
Approach various institutions and request for access to the person's assets.
Pay off the deceased's outstanding taxes, loans, funeral, and legal expenses—also known as their liabilities.
Distribute the remaining estate according to the will.
Amending the Schedule of Assets after receiving the Grant of Probate
After receiving the Grant, an executor may discover things about the deceased’s assets that they did not know before. For instance, they may learn that the person has other stocks or has some debts. These must go into the Schedule of Assets.
If the original Schedule of Assets is missing items, the executor must submit a corrected version. This is called an amended Schedule of Assets .
How to submit an amended Schedule of Assets
You’ll need to submit the following documents:
An amended Schedule of Assets
An affidavit for it
As the process may be complicated, you’re advised to consult a lawyer to help with submitting them.