What Is a Grant of Probate: Administering an Estate If There Is a Will
If the deceased left a valid will, their estate will be distributed according to their wishes. The executors will need a court order, known as a Grant of Probate, before they can distribute the estate to beneficiaries named in the will.
Who Are the Executors Under the Grant of Probate?
The executors named in the will are responsible for distributing the estate. By applying for the Grant of Probate, the executors obtain legal authority to gain access to the estate and begin administration. After obtaining the Grant of Probate, executors locate the deceased’s assets, pay debts and expenses owed by the deceased, and distribute the estate, acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
What Is the Process of Obtaining a Grant of Probate?
The process of obtaining a Grant of Probate includes:
Step 1: Preparing the Application for Probate
Step 2: Submitting the Documents to the Court
Step 3: Court Review
Step 4: Issuance of the Grant of Probate
What Are Letters of Administration: Administering an Estate Without a Valid Will
When someone dies without a will, their estate will be administered under the Letters of Administration.
Who Are the Administrators under the Letters of Administration?
If the deceased left no will, the court will need to appoint at least one person as the administrator of the estate, usually the deceased’s spouse or the next-of-kin. Before the administrator can administer the estate, they need to file an application with the court to obtain Letters of Administration.
What Is the Process of Obtaining Letters of Administration?
The process of obtaining Letters of Administration includes:
Step 1: Preparing the Application for Letters of Administration
Step 2: Submitting the Documents to the Court
Step 3: Administration Hearing
Step 4: Issuance of a Grant of Letters of Administration
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At that time when we were feeling extremely helpless, Mr Mohamed Baiross was willing to help and has given his views on our issue. I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Mohamed Baiross and his team at IRB Law Firm, particularly Ms. Sharifah Nabilah, for their outstanding representation in our case. Her efficiency, dedication, and professionalism were evident throughout the process. Ms. Sharifah's confidence and assurance in court during cross-examination were impressive, and her ownership of the case led to a successful outcome. I highly recommend IRB Law Firm and Ms. Sharifah Nabilah for their exceptional legal services.
Mr Baiross, Crystal, and the team are very professional and friendly. Mr Baiross gives excellent advise and is prompt in his replies. Crystal is helpful and attentive when it came to executing the agreement. Overall the team is patient and will help clarify any questions and concerns you have.
Our family in India went through the most terrifying phase of our lives when my husband was suddenly accused in Singapore and kept in custody for over three long months. We are in India and those days were filled with fear, sleepless nights, and constant worry about what awaited him. In that unbearable period, Sir, Mr. Baiross, came into our lives as a true blessing. He brought confidence, clarity, and hope at a time when we had none. Mr. Baiross sir handled the case with exceptional legal expertise, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment. He listened to every detail, understood our pain, and guided us at every step with patience and care. His dedication and the support of his entire team gave us the strength to move forward. Because of Mr. Baiross sir and his team, my husband returned home safely and our family finally regained peace after months of turmoil. We will remain forever grateful to him and his dedicated team for standing by us and fighting for justice during the darkest chapter of our lives.
Deed poll was done smoothly and fast. The staff helped me to settle all of the necessary documents needed for it to be executed. Mr Baiross was the witnessing lawyer during the signature of the deed poll. Everything was done quickly and I'm happy to get my name updated.
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Probate without a Will / with a Will
Grant of Probate vs Letters of Administration
| Probate | Letters of Administration |
|---|---|
| There is a will, and there is a named executor able and willing to act | The deceased dies intestate without a will, or there is no executor able or willing to act |
| The application for a Grant of Probate is filed by an executor named in a will or their lawyer | The application is filed by an administrator, usually a spouse or next-of-kin, or their lawyer |
| The court issues a Grant of Probate to the named executor | The court appoints an administrator |
| The executor distributes the estate according to the will | The administrator administers the estate according to intestacy rules |
Advantages
Benefits of Engaging a Lawyer for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Working with probate lawyers in Singapore helps:
- Speed up preparation of the application for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration and the submission of required documents, including certified copies when needed
- Avoid omissions in the application and supporting documents
- Ensure accurate caveat searches and identification of the deceased’s assets
- Avoid the court returning the application because of gaps or missing information
- Ensure strong legal representation to resolve disputes over the estate in contested cases
Why Us
Why Clients Choose IRB Law for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Speedy and Convenient Service
Our probate lawyers in Singapore ensure a fast and efficient probate process with our expert probate service, attention to detail, and experience in settling conflicting claims.
Excellent Communication
At IRB Law, our probate lawyers are always available to our clients for any questions or assistance to ensure an efficient Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration process.
Affordable and Transparent Legal Fees
We pride ourselves on affordable and transparent legal fees in Singapore. For information about applicable fees for our Probate and Letters of Administration services, please contact our office.
General Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration?
How long does it take to get a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration in Singapore?
Who is an executor and what do they do?
How to know if the deceased left a will or died intestate?
What is the purpose of the Grant of Probate?
Who can apply for a Grant of Probate?
What documents are required to apply for a Grant of Probate?
Can an executor be removed or replaced?
How is the distribution of assets determined under intestate succession?
How to find a good probate lawyer in Singapore?
Can I obtain a Grant of Probate myself, or do I need a lawyer?
How long does it take to get Letters of Administration in Singapore?
Who is an estate administrator and what do they do?
What happens if someone dies without a valid will?
What is the purpose of the Letters of Administration?
Who can apply to obtain Letters of Administration?
What documents are required to obtain Letters of Administration?
Can an administrator of the estate be removed or replaced?
Who are the priority beneficiaries under the Intestate Succession Act?
Our Lawyers
Meet Our Key Lawyers
Mohamed Baiross
Mohamed Baiross is the managing partner of IRB Law and one of the nation's leading lawyers in multiple practice areas, including civil, corporate, and commercial law. With over three decades of experience as a business lawyer, Mohamed Baiross has built a renowned corporate law firm in Singapore, providing expert legal services to global corporations and local businesses.
Pang Khin Wee
Pang Khin Wee is a highly respected litigator with over a decade of experience in the legal industry. Mr Pang’s practice experience includes personal injury, criminal law, family (and particularly contested divorces), contract drafting and commercial transactions. In the course of his career, Mr Pang has served as an Associate Director at a major Singapore law firm and also as counsel for government-linked tenders in public healthcare institutions. Mr Pang brings his vast experience in litigation and advisory matters to IRB Law to deliver exceptional results for clients across a diverse range of legal matters.
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Testimonials
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr Koh Boon Yang and Mr Zachary Lim. During my challenging time, they were kind and lent their hands in helping me over both public holiday and weekend. They were friendly, patient, took the time to explain details clearly, responsive and efficiently. The outcome was great for me. Once again thank you for your service and professionalism.
Assalamualaikum and thank you once again to the entire team for your professionalism, patience, and guidance throughout this difficult journey. Mr Aidil, thank you for representing me calmly and professionally during mediation today. Your composure and assurance gave me great comfort. Mr Dzul, thank you for taking the time to answer my many questions and concerns throughout the process with clarity and patience. Ms Fatin, thank you for carefully taking my instructions and helping align the case with the values and approach I hoped for. I truly appreciated your understanding and responsiveness. And lastly, Mr Fadil, thank you for coordinating everything from the very beginning and ensuring the process moved smoothly. Alhamdulillāh, everything concluded peacefully today, and I am sincerely grateful to all of you for your efforts, professionalism, and support during one of the most difficult periods of my life. May Allah reward all of you with goodness always. 🤲🏽
I had an excellent experience engaging Mr. Muhammad Aidil bin Juma'in for legal services. He demonstrated a high level of professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication throughout the process. What impressed me most was his ability to work efficiently under tight timelines while still ensuring that every detail was handled properly and accurately. He managed to deliver the urgent legal documents I required promptly, which gave me great peace of mind during a stressful situation. His communication was clear, reliable, and reassuring at every stage. I truly appreciate his commitment and competence, and I would highly recommend Mr. Aidil to anyone seeking dependable and professional legal assistance.
Although my case was a simple POA. I have nothing but highest compliments for the dedicated way the staff handled it from start to finish. This is a highly well staffed professional firm for all legal matters and i strongly recommend it..
We highly appreciate both Mr Aidil and Faiza for helping with my divorce case. Judgement results are satisfaction. We highly recommend IRB LAW to handle all legal matters.
Alhamdulillah 🤲. Was very satisfied with IRB services. Many thanks to Team Mr Dzuleqhmal. Also goes to Ms Sharmeela. All went smoothly and they stand firm. Not forgetting also Mr Ahmad Ghazi. Who was the 1st person attending to all my inquiries. May ALLAH swt bless with Success to IRB Team.
Very good technical advice provided by both lawyers Zul and Aidil. At ease till the end.
The legal manager Ahmad and lawyer Navin was professional for my requirements. I used this law firm second time and
I had engaged IRB Law for my divorce proceedings. As I did not want to think about the process and documentations needed, they were fantastic in helping me through it all step by step. They were there for me every step of the way. Updates were given timely and I didn't have to wreck my brain navigating the court laws. Mr Dzuleqmal and team (Ms Sharmeela, Ms Hafizah, Mr Fadil and the rest of team) were very kind and understanding snd were there every step of the way. I am very grateful that they agreed to take my case and everything went smoothly. Even though divorce is not an easy thing to go through, they made the difficult legal parts easy. I am very thankful for them.
Andrew Wong and the IRB team were great in supporting my case, answering my questions and advocating for the best options for me. Quick responses with initiative, and helpful! Led to a win for me and would consult them again.
My parents had a very positive experience with IRB Law LLP. The team, led by Mr Dzuleqhmal, was professional, patient, and very supportive throughout the process. Mr Muhammad Fadil stood out for being fast, clear, understanding, and highly responsible, always ensuring my parents felt assured at every step. Mr Rano Matiin was also very friendly and approachable, which made the experience even more comfortable. We truly appreciate their care and support and would recommend them to anyone.
Big thank you to your Syariah team led by Mr Dzuleqhmal! Efficient yet in-depth understanding of Syariah law and its application into our requests. Process was explained exceptionally well in multiple languages for full comprehension to family members. Thank you!
I recently engaged Mr. Mohd Dzuleqhmal and his team for a complex family legal matter involving multiple PPO filings. From our first consultation, I felt a sense of confidence; Mr. Dzuleqhmal explained the legal process with absolute clarity, providing a strategic roadmap and clear timelines without ever being pushy. The support from his team was exceptional. Legal Associate Mr. Rano Matiin was incredibly meticulous in drafting my affidavit and ensuring my narrative was presented effectively. Throughout the process, the communication was systematic and prompt.I never felt left in the dark. Facing a full trial is nerve-wracking, but I felt fully supported by Mr. Dzuleqhmal, Mr. Rano, and Mr. Aidil. Ultimately, Mr. Dzuleqhmal’s firm and strategic negotiation skills saved me from the stress of a full trial, resulting in a mutual undertaking that I consider a significant win. If you need a legal team that is strategic, supportive, and highly professional, I cannot recommend them enough.
Mr Dzuleqhmal has been representing me and he never once gave up in fighting for me and what I deserve, as well as the desired outcomes which has been favourable. Special thanks to his team as well for their unwavering support throughout. A team member of Mr Dzul that I also would like to mention & thank is Mr Ghazi, who has been there for me. He has supported me and never failed to motivate me, even talked things out with me for times when I felt like all hope was gone. He pushed me enough to make me stand up better than ever instead of falling back down and giving up. Thank you everyone for all your constant efforts! 🙂
I am writing to formally express my sincere appreciation and commendation for the exceptional service provided by Lawyer Mr Pang Khin Wee. Throughout my engagement, Mr Pang demonstrated a high level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication. His ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear and structured manner greatly enhanced my understanding and confidence throughout the process. I was particularly impressed by his meticulous attention to detail, prompt responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. In addition to his strong legal acumen, Mr Pang exhibited remarkable patience and empathy. He took the time to listen carefully to my concerns, providing thoughtful advice and reassurance at every stage. This level of client care is truly commendable and reflects a deep sense of integrity and responsibility. It is evident tthat Mr Pang upholds the highest standards of professional excellence. His dedication and work ethic not only contributed to a positive experience but also reinforced my trust in his organisation’s services. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr Pang's services to others seeking reliable and professional legal assistance.
I was based outside of Singapore and had no idea where to begin. Sharifah Nabilah and Elavarasi Vijaykumar (Everyone else on their team who helped out) at IRB Law made the entire process clear, accessible, and straightforward from day one. Their knowledge, professionalism, and genuine desire to help made a real difference in what was an incredibly frustrating situation. The matter was resolved through the Singapore Small Claims Tribunal in 11 days (Invoice paid by the defendant). I could not recommend them more highly to any contractor or small business owner navigating a dispute in or outside Singapore.
First and foremost want to let the cat out of the bag. It was a roller-coaster ride of emotions and in the end it was worth it. All praises to God. Was initially sceptical of approaching another lawyer based on my previous experience, but I.R.B Law LLP Lawyer Mohd Dzuleqhmal Bin Mohd Dzuleqhram and his Senior Legal Executive Mr Fadil were calmness personified and diligent throughout the whole process. From being paranoid and doubtful to being pronoic and confident. It was a really 360 degress full circle whirlwind of transformation. I thank them and their whole team for the support and guidance all the way from 2.5 years ago from 5 different addresses. Once again Kudos to I.R.B Law LLP and may you gain more victory in the future! God-willing!
I engaged this firm when my ex-spouse filed for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) against me, including an application involving my child. It was a very stressful situation, especially with allegations that were untrue. Mr Dzuleqhmal and his team, Mr Aidil and Mr Rano Matiin, handled my case with professionalism, dedication, and care throughout. They provided clear guidance on what needed to be done, assisted with all the necessary filings, and offered sound advice at every stage of the process. Their support gave me much-needed confidence during a very difficult period. I am very pleased with the outcome of the hearing, which was favourable and even better than I had expected. I truly appreciate their hard work and commitment. Thank you again for your excellent service.
I am truly grateful that a friend recommended IRB Law Firm for the situation my family and I were going through. Without hesitation, I decided to reach out to them. From the very beginning, I was assigned to Mr Fadil, who took the time to understand my situation.Together with the solicitor in charge of my case, Mr Dzuleqhmal, they were willing to expedite the process based on the urgency of my circumstances. As my family and I were quite unfamiliar with Singapore law, we sincerely appreciated their professionalism in advising and handling our case to achieve the best possible outcome.They patiently and clearly explained how the law works whenever we had doubts, which gave us great reassurance. Alhamdulillah, with their prompt responses and understanding of our family’s needs, everything has now been settled.I would highly recommend them to anyone facing a similar situation as my family and I
I had a great experience with Mr Dzul and Sharmeela. They were professional, responsive, and very supportive—especially when I was feeling indecisive, they guided me and respected my decisions. I always felt in good hands. Highly recommend their services!
Really grateful to the team for helping me through my variance order case. Special shout out to Mr Dzul, Fadil and Ms Fatin - thank you so very much for your hard work and assistance. I am forever grateful! They were professional, supportive, and easy to communicate with throughout the whole process. I felt well taken care of, and I’m so thankful for the successful outcome. Would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs a reliable and caring law firm.
1st visit to the firm, late and unprepared, but so grateful towards the helpfulness and professionalism of the staff who guided and solved our problems each step. Shoutout to the counter lady Navneek who was welcoming and calming, positive attitude lawyer Nor who went the extra mile to type out our documents and to the kind commissioner Rajen who helped clarify our doubts and gave us pointers.
I am grateful to the legal team from IRB law. Especially Mr Ahmad Ghazi who was very professional and dedicated with regards to our legal matters. I would also like to thank Mr Navin who has assisted with the documentations. Thanks IRB law.
Alhamdulillah..I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Dzul and his legal team for a job well done! I engaged Mr Dzul and his team since 2024 where they assisted me with Divorce and PPO. They were very professional and knowledgable with their work. The team took on my case very well with favourable outcomes for both Divorce and PPO. Highly recommended to those who need help with any legal issues.
4 of us, my sister and husband, my wife and I had our wills and LPAs done at IRB Law LLP. Mr Andrew Wong of IRB helped us in drafting our Wills and LPAs. He explained to us clearly about the wills and LPAs and patiently guided us through the process of drafting our wills. He answered her queries clearly and we had a much better understanding of wills and LPAs. We would like to say a thank you. I would also like to give a thumbs up to Andrew and Amelia during the initial queries and arrangements to fix the appointment today. They answered my queries quickly and promptly which helped me decide to use IRB Law.
I wish to place on record my sincere appreciation to IRB Law, in particular Mohd Dzuleqhmal and Muhammad Fadil, for their professionalism and dedication in the drafting and signing of my Deed of Nuzriah and Last Will & Final Testament. The team demonstrated a clear understanding of my intentions and objectives, ensuring that the documents were thoughtfully structured to meet my requirements while remaining fully compliant with Syariah law. Their approach combined strong legal expertise with practical insights drawn from experience. Of particular note was the detailed guidance provided prior to signing, where the clauses were carefully explained, including their implications, potential future scenarios, and how possible complications may be addressed. Equally reassuring was their commitment to providing retainer services, including guidance to the appointed Executor and Trustee, as well as their openness in maintaining communication with all involved. Highly recommended for anyone seeking professional and thoughtful estate planning services.
Felt supported throughout the journey. Special shout-out to Ghazi and Hashim. Glad to have engaged the team.
Exceptional and professional legal services. I was well represented by Dzuleqhmal Dzuleqhram. From the start to the end, he was always prompt, patient, and available. His explanations were thorough and his legal team is well coordinated. I did not face any difficulties with appointments, applications, communications, or other matters as they handled everything for me. Additionally they are friendly and kind, and helped put my mind at ease. I will strongly consider their services in the future. Would recommend to a friend.
We would like to thanks Mr Andrew Wong and Ms Precelia for their strong support and professionalism in giving us sound advice in this entire journey.
I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Syariah team at I.R.B. Law LLP for their outstanding service and professionalism throughout the entire process. A special mention goes to Mr Dzul, whose guidance, patience, and dedication truly made a difference. His clear explanations and sincere approach gave me great confidence and peace of mind during the matter. I am also very grateful to his team for their efficiency, responsiveness, and commitment to ensuring everything was handled smoothly. Their teamwork and attention to detail reflect a high level of excellence and care for their clients. Thank you once again to Mr Dzul and the entire team at I.R.B. Law LLP for your exceptional work. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and trustworthy Syariah legal assistance.
Truly grateful to the team who assisted me throughout my case, especially Mr. Fadil who helped to follow up promptly on the many queries I had as well as speaking to my ex on my behalf, and Ms. Sharmeela who represented me in the court.
Very professional. They will update you promptly. They guide you step by step. Ensure you all is taken care and handle by them promptly. Good job to Mr Fadil, Mr Dzul and team which they handle my case. Mr Dzul keep ensure me my case is going the right direction. Thank you for handling my case.
Hi IRB Law LLP, Attn: Mr Fadil. Thank you very much for assisting with the preparation of my mum’s will and nuzriah. We sincerely appreciate your time, professionalism, and clear guidance throughout the process. We are also very grateful for arranging the free LPA. Thank you again for your kind assistance and support to our family.
The process of doing my will and LPA are smooth.thanks to Mr Fadil, the Legal Manager who assist to explain and answer to all my questions that I have. Finally my thanx to Lawyer Rano for witnessing my Will and also Certified my LPA. I feel relief that my Will and LPA have been completed.
I had a very good experience with IRB Law. The service was professional, efficient, and very reassuring throughout the process. Special thanks to Mr Dzuleqhmal and his team for their dedication, patience, and clear guidance. They handled everything smoothly and kept me well informed at every stage. I truly appreciate their professionalism and would highly recommend IRB Law to anyone looking for reliable legal assistance.
The law firm handled the process in a very straightforward and efficient manner without wasting any time. I would definitely recommend them for a one-stop solution for my POA settled.
We hired lawyer, Mr Andrew to settle my dad documents of asset. Process was fast and helpful with him. Thank you very much.
I would like to thank Dzul, Fadil, Shafee, Patrick , Fatin and the team at IRB for assisting me through my divorce proceedings in the Syariah Court. Divorce matters are never easy, but the firm handled the case with professionalism, patience and clarity. The guidance provided throughout the process helped me understand my options and navigate the legal steps with confidence. I especially appreciate the constant update and elaborate explanations as well as assurances while i was navigating the divorce process. I’m grateful for the support during a difficult time and would recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable legal assistance in family matters. Recommended team in IRB!
It was smooth journey for me and my mother-in-law for writing her Will and appoint P.O.A & L.P.O.A with I.R.B Law LLP- the team leads by Legal Manager Mr. Ghazi, Lawyer Ms. Sherlyn and Lawyer Mr. Navin made the whole process easier with no complication. Thank you for the team God bless 🙏
My divorce case spanned three long years, and Mr Aidil, Mr Dzul from I.R.B was with me every step of the way. Their unwavering patience through multiple rounds of mediation and complex discovery was incredible. I finally have a fair settlement and peace of mind, thanks to their dedicated advocacy.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking for legal assistance. The team led by Mr Dzul handled our matter professionally, efficiently and with great attention to detail. Ms. Sharmeela, in particular was very responsive, patient, and clear in her explanations, which helped us understand the process and feel assured reassure throughout. We truly appreciate the dedication, clear communication and effort shown in handling this matter in the best possible manner.
Went there for change of name, deed pole and was offered quick and efficient service. Good law firm for commissioner of oath and notary public services
The past two years were one of the most emotionally challenging periods of my life, and having my lawyer (Mr Dzuleqhram) walk this journey with me made all the difference. From the very beginning, he promised that he would be there with me at every step of the way — and he truly kept that promise. Beyond legal expertise, he showed patience, empathy, and unwavering dedication to my case. I never felt alone or dismissed, even during the most difficult moments. I am deeply grateful for his support and would recommend his services without hesitation. Thank you, Mr Dzul!
