When someone close to you passes away, the last thing you want to deal with is paperwork. Yet, questions about money, property, and inheritance come up almost immediately. One common question grieving families ask is, “Can a public trustee administer your loved one’s estate?”
If the estate is small and straightforward, the Public Trustee’s Office might be able to help, saving you the trouble of going through the Court. However, there are important rules and limits that often catch people off guard.
In this guide, we explain when the Public Trustee can step in, what you need to know before applying, and what happens if your situation doesn’t qualify.
What The Public Trustee Actually Does
The Public Trustee is a government officer under the Ministry of Law who assists in handling simple estates when someone passes away without a will.
In Singapore, this is known as estate administration. Instead of applying to the Court for Letters of Administration, which can be a long and costly process, family members may turn to the Public Trustee’s Office (PTO), but only if the estate meets very specific conditions.
What the PTO does is fairly straightforward. Once approved, the Public Trustee collects all the deceased’s assets, pays off any outstanding debts (such as funeral costs), and then distributes the remaining money to the legal beneficiaries, based on Singapore’s Intestate Succession Act. This is the law that applies when someone dies without a will.
However, it is essential to note that the Public Trustee does not provide personalised legal advice or assist families in resolving disputes. They are not a law firm. Their role is purely administrative. They also do not act if the estate includes property, such as an HDB flat, or if the estate is worth more than S$50,000. In such cases, families must go through the Court process instead.
Conditions You Must Satisfy
Before you ask, “Can a public trustee administer your loved one’s estate?” you need to check if the estate qualifies under the law. The Public Trustee only handles small, uncomplicated estates, and there are strict rules on who and what qualifies.
Here are the main conditions that must be met:
- The estate’s total value must not exceed S$50,000. This includes all bank accounts, shares, insurance payouts, and other movable assets. If the estate is even slightly over that limit, the PTO will reject the application.
- There must be no immovable property involved. This means the deceased must not own any HDB flat, condominium, or private property. If real estate is involved, even if it’s jointly owned, the family must apply to the Court instead.
- The deceased must not have left a will. The PTO only steps in when there is no will. If a will exists, the executor named in the will must apply for a Grant of Probate through the Family Court.
- All beneficiaries must be traceable and alive. If the PTO cannot locate a beneficiary or if someone is missing, they cannot proceed. The same applies if a beneficiary has passed away and no legal next-of-kin can be found.
- There must be no disputes among family members. If anyone is contesting the distribution or there is conflict over who should inherit, the PTO will not be involved. These matters must be resolved through the legal system.
- The deceased must not be Muslim. Muslim estates are governed by Syariah law and require a different process involving the Syariah Court.
Documents Needed When Applying To Have The Public Trustee Administer The Estate Of A Deceased Person In Singapore
If you are considering applying to the Public Trustee to handle your loved one’s estate, being well-prepared with the correct documents can save you a lot of time and stress. The application is made online via the Public Trustee’s e-Services portal, but you will still need to upload several supporting documents before your case can be assessed.
Here is a list of the documents you should prepare in advance:
- Death Certificate Of The Deceased
This confirms that the person has passed away and is essential to begin any form of estate administration. Only the official death certificate issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is accepted.
- NRIC Or Passport Of The Applicant
You will need to provide a scanned copy of your NRIC (front and back) or your passport as the person applying. This helps verify your identity and relationship to the deceased.
- Proof Of Relationship To The Deceased
If you are a spouse, child, or parent of the deceased, you must show documentation that proves your relationship. This can include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other official documents showing family ties.
- List Of Known Assets And Liabilities
You will need to submit a detailed list of the deceased’s assets. This includes bank accounts, CPF (if not nominated), insurance policies, shares, and any other valuable assets. Also, declare any outstanding debts or loans. The Public Trustee uses this list to assess whether the estate meets the S$50,000 limit.
- Bank Or Financial Statements
Where possible, include supporting statements for the declared assets. For example, recent bank statements, insurance policy details, or CDP statements for shares. These help verify the declared values.
- Statutory Declaration (If Required)
In some cases, you may be asked to provide a Statutory Declaration. This is a sworn statement confirming details about the deceased’s estate and beneficiaries. You may need to get this witnessed before a Commissioner for Oaths.
- Contact Information Of All Beneficiaries
The Public Trustee must verify that all legal beneficiaries are alive, identifiable, and eligible under the Intestate Succession Act. Make sure you have their full names, NRIC or passport details, and current contact information.
Conclusion About Public Trustee Administering Your Loved One’s Estate
So, can the Public Trustee administer your loved one’s estate? The answer depends on the size of the estate, the identity of the beneficiaries, and whether there’s any property or a will involved.
If you’re unsure or your family situation is more complex, it’s worth speaking to someone who can guide you properly. At Tembusu Law, our team is trusted for a reason; we’re home to the best Divorce lawyers and criminal lawyers in Singapore, and we know how to help you protect what matters most.
Reach out to us today and let us help you settle your loved one’s estate the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Trustee Administering Your Loved One’s Estate
What Counts Toward The S$50,000 Estate Limit?
All movable assets, such as bank balances, shares and insurance payouts, are aggregated before deducting debts.
Can The Public Trustee Handle An HDB Flat?
Usually no. Estates containing immovable property must go through the Court unless the PTO grants a rare exception for very small shares.
Does The PTO Accept Estates With Foreign Beneficiaries?
No. Any non‑Singapore citizen or PR beneficiary disqualifies the estate from PTO administration.
How Long Does The Process Take?
Simple cases are wrapped up in one to six months once all paperwork is accurate and complete.
Are Muslim Estates Covered?
Muslim estates follow Syariah inheritance rules, so beneficiaries must apply separately through the Syariah Court.
