Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with their estate can feel overwhelming—especially if they did not leave a will. In such cases, the estate must be handled according to Singapore’s Intestate Succession Act (for non-Muslim estates) or Syariah law (for Muslim estates).

To legally manage and distribute the deceased’s assets, a family member or beneficiary must apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration. This court-issued document gives the applicant legal authority to pay off debts, access bank accounts, and distribute assets according to intestacy laws.

This guide will walk you through the eligibility requirements, application process, and key considerations when applying for Letters of Administration in Singapore.

What Is a Grant of Letters of Administration?

A Grant of Letters of Administration is a legal document issued by the court, officially appointing an individual as the administrator of a deceased person’s estate. This is required when:

✅ The deceased did not leave a valid will
✅ Their estate needs to be distributed according to intestacy laws
✅ A beneficiary (such as the spouse or child) is applying to administer the estate

Once granted, the administrator has the legal responsibility to:

• Settle any outstanding debts and liabilities
• Close the deceased’s bank accounts and manage financial matters
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the law

If a valid will exists, a Grant of Probate (instead of Letters of Administration) is required.

Who Can Apply for Letters of Administration?

In Singapore, the priority for applying to be an administrator follows a specific order based on the size of the beneficiary’s entitlement. Generally, the person with the largest share of the estate has the highest priority to apply.

For non-Muslim estates, the priority order is:
1️⃣ Spouse (highest priority)
2️⃣ Children
3️⃣ Parents
4️⃣ Siblings
5️⃣ Grandparents
6️⃣ Aunts and uncles

If multiple beneficiaries are eligible, they must agree on who will act as the administrator. Those who do not wish to take on the role must renounce their right in writing.

For Muslim estates, the distribution follows the Inheritance Certificate issued by the Syariah Court. Learn more at Syariah Court Singapore.

Key Considerations Before Applying

1️⃣ Check What Assets Require a Grant

Not all assets require a Grant of Letters of Administration to be distributed. Some may pass automatically to beneficiaries. Examples include:

• CPF savings (nominee receives funds directly from CPF Board)
• Jointly owned property under joint tenancy (ownership transfers to the surviving co-owner)
• Insurance policies with nominated beneficiaries

If the deceased’s estate is worth less than S$50,000, the Public Trustee’s Office may administer the estate, simplifying the process for next-of-kin.

2️⃣ Foreign Ownership of Residential Property

If a foreigner inherits residential property in Singapore, the property must be sold or transferred within five years under the Residential Property Act.

Step-by-Step Process for Applying for Letters of Administration

To apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration, you must meet all of the following conditions:
✅ The deceased did not leave a valid will
✅ You are a beneficiary entitled to inherit the estate
✅ You are at least 21 years old and mentally capable

Step 1: File an Application for the Grant

The application must be submitted to the Family Justice Courts. The following documents are required:

📌 Death certificate of the deceased
📌 List of beneficiaries and their consent (if required)
📌 Schedule of Assets (listing the deceased’s assets and liabilities)
📌 Affidavit of the Administrator (confirming eligibility)

Step 2: File Additional Supporting Documents

After submitting the initial application, you may be required to file additional supporting documents, such as:

• Renunciation forms (if higher-priority beneficiaries waive their right to administer)
• Declaration of assets (to confirm the value and type of estate assets)

If all documents are in order, the court may approve the application without a hearing.

Step 3: Attend a Court Hearing (If Required)

In some cases, the court may request a hearing, especially if:
⚠️ There are disputes between beneficiaries
⚠️ Documents are incomplete or incorrect
⚠️ The applicant’s eligibility is unclear

Step 4: Issuance of the Grant

Once approved, the Grant of Letters of Administration will be issued electronically. If a physical certified copy is required, applicants can request one with an embossed court seal.

This document must be presented to banks, financial institutions, and relevant authorities to access and distribute the deceased’s assets.

How the Estate Is Distributed

Non-Muslim Estates (Under the Intestate Succession Act)

The Intestate Succession Act determines who inherits and how much they receive:

Muslim Estates (Under Syariah Law)

For Muslim estates, inheritance follows the Faraid distribution system, based on the Inheritance Certificate issued by the Syariah Court.

Final Thoughts: Why Estate Planning Is Essential

Applying for Letters of Administration can be a long and complex process, especially when dealing with large estates, multiple beneficiaries, or family disputes. Having a will in place simplifies this significantly, ensuring:

✔️ Your assets are distributed according to your wishes
✔️ Your loved ones avoid lengthy legal processes
✔️ You appoint trusted individuals to handle your estate

If you need help with estate planning or applying for Letters of Administration, our estate planners are here to guide you.

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