When a loved one passes away, the legal process of managing their estate can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with grief. Most people aren’t sure where to begin, or if they can even afford to get professional help. The good news?
In Singapore, there are different ways to get aid for probate, whether through government channels like the Legal Aid Bureau or the Public Trustee, or through experienced law firms offering fixed‑fee support.
In this guide, we break down your options in plain English, so you can choose the path that best suits your situation and avoid unnecessary stress or delays.
Option 1: Legal Aid Bureau (LAB)
The Legal Aid Bureau is a department of the Ministry of Law that offers subsidised civil representation, including probate, to Singapore citizens and permanent residents with limited means.
To pass the means test, your household’s Per Capita Gross Monthly Income must not exceed S$1,050, and the annual value of your home must be S$21,000 or lower lab.mlaw.gov.sg. A separate merits test checks that the application is legally sound – for example, that the death certificate, will (if any) and asset schedule are all in order.
How the LAB process works
- Apply online or in person – upload the death certificate, will and basic asset list.
- Attend an interview – LAB officers verify income documents and ask clarifying questions.
- Grant of Aid is issued – you may pay a modest contribution based on household income and estate size.
- Case is assigned – a staff or volunteer lawyer drafts the probate papers, files them in Court and keeps you updated.
- Collect and distribute assets – once the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is sealed, the lawyer guides you on closing bank accounts and transferring assets.
When LAB may not be suitable
- Contested estates or family disputes (LAB covers straightforward matters only)
- Estates containing overseas property or complex business interests
- Applicants who exceed the income or property thresholds
Option 2: Public Trustee’s Office (PTO)
The Public Trustee’s Office can step in to administer a small estate – one worth S$50,000 or less – when there is no will, no property, no company shares, no outstanding debts and no disagreement among the beneficiaries pto.mlaw.gov.sg. Choosing this route removes the need to apply for a Court grant altogether.
Eligibility checklist
- Net estate value (excluding CPF and DPS payouts) does not exceed S$50,000
- The deceased left no valid will
- Beneficiaries are in full agreement on the distribution
- The estate holds cash‑type assets only – for example, bank deposits, fixed deposits or insurance proceeds
Step‑by‑step PTO application
- Submit online through MyLegacy – fill in the electronic form and upload supporting documents.
- Pay a one‑time administration fee – currently tiered between 2.5 percent and 0.3 percent of the estate, plus GST.
- PTO collects monies – banks and insurers release funds directly to the Public Trustee.
- Distribution – PTO pays creditors (if any) and then transfers the balance to beneficiaries according to the Intestate Succession Act.
- Closure letter issued – once all sums are paid out, you receive a statement confirming completion.
Advantages and limits
- Cost‑effective – fees are modest compared with private administration
- Predictable timeline – straightforward cases close within three to four months
- No Court appearance – everything is handled on paper
Why Probate Help Matters
Probate is the Court‑sanctioned process that proves a will and appoints the executor, or issues Letters of Administration when there is no will. Without that Court authority, banks will not release deposits, the Housing & Development Board will not transfer a flat, and you could become personally liable if you distribute assets incorrectly.
Engaging reliable help ensures that every affidavit, schedule and notice meets the strict timelines set by the Probate and Administration Act, so the estate is wound up quickly and in line with the Intestate Succession Act. Just as important, good guidance keeps family relations calm because everyone can see that the rules have been followed and that the numbers add up.
Why getting professional assistance pays off
- Correct forms filed first time – avoids repeat Court hearings
- Accurate asset valuations and debt checks protect beneficiaries
- Clear communication keeps siblings and co‑beneficiaries informed
- Timely closure helps loved ones focus on healing rather than paperwork
Conclusion About The Different Ways To Get Aid For Probate In Singapore
Settling an estate doesn’t have to mean drowning in paperwork or running up sky‑high legal bills. By understanding the different ways to get aid for probate, you can make a smart and affordable choice, whether that means applying through the Public Trustee, seeking help from the Legal Aid Bureau, or engaging a trusted law firm for more complex matters.
If you need a clear next step, our team at Tembusu Law is here for you. We’re proud to be known for having the best Divorce lawyers and criminal lawyers in Singapore, and we bring that same level of expertise and empathy to every probate case we handle.
Contact us today and get the guidance you deserve because estate matters shouldn’t be handled alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Different Ways To Get Aid For Probate In Singapore
What Is Probate In Singapore?
Probate is the Court process that confirms an executor’s right to handle a deceased person’s assets and debts.
Who Qualifies For Legal Aid Bureau Assistance?
Singapore citizens or permanent residents with a per‑capita household income not exceeding S$1,050 and a case with reasonable prospects may apply.
When Can The Public Trustee Administer An Estate?
The PTO can step in when the estate is S$50,000 or less, there is no property or company shareholding and all beneficiaries agree.
Can Tembusu Law Assist With Probate Matters?
Yes. We offer fixed‑fee probate services, urgent filings and holistic advice that covers family and criminal law issues which may arise.
How Long Does The Probate Process Usually Take?
A straightforward application typically takes six to eight weeks from filing to obtaining the grant, though complex estates can extend that timeline.
