Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your Best Inheritance and Succession Lawyers in Singapore
It’s becoming the norm for people with a lot of assets to leave instructions bequeathing their legacy. However, problems tend to arise when beneficiaries or heirs contest a bequest, or a person dies intestate. Sometimes, even a written will may not hold up due to irregularities or conflicting legal issues. In any of these instances, you will definitely need the best inheritance and succession lawyers in Singapore.
According to a recent report by Bloomberg, Singapore will have Asia’s largest population of millionaires by 2030. The Global Wealth Report 2021 forecasts that Singapore may have approximately 437,000 millionaires by 2025 and 38 billionaires by 2024. Lion City is well on its way to having some of the richest people in the world.
Receiving proper legal advice in matters regarding inheritance and succession is an excellent way to secure your interests. The services of such attorneys are indispensable, especially where the estate is large, spans multiple jurisdictions, has numerous beneficiaries, etc. Inheritance matters also have the potential to become contentious, especially during times of emotional distress. A reliable lawyer will provide clear and conscientious advice, ensuring the best solution for all.
Our guide discusses some pertinent points, including why you should consider engaging inheritance and succession lawyers. We also provide a brief insight into some unique succession issues in Singapore. We round off with a list of the very best legal professionals who offer probate services. These attorneys have the track record, experience, and expertise you can rely on.
What Are Inheritance and Succession Lawyers?
Inheritance and succession lawyers, sometimes known as probate attorneys, handle the estate of a person who passes away. The scope of such lawyers’ work includes:
- Drafting of wills
- Conducting legal searches for caveats, etc.
- Tracing and locating all assets
- Assisting in the collection of insurance proceeds
- Administration of the estate
- Appraisal and sale of estate properties
- Ensuring that beneficiaries and heirs get their bequests legally
- Offering counsel on inheritance taxes or advice on debt settlement
Inheritance and succession fall under the jurisdiction of the Singapore Intestate Succession Act (the Act). Under the law, intestacy arises when a person with property and possessions dies without leaving a will behind. The Act can also come into play where the execution or administration of a will has legal issues. Successors, i.e., heirs who stand to inherit these assets, can only benefit according to the Act’s regulations.
This statute does not apply to Muslims, who must follow Syariah Law. Where the Act does apply, it governs the division and distribution of possessions and properties amongst successors. The courts take into account the following matters when deciding on issues of inheritance:
- Movable and immovable chattels
- Location of the assets and properties
- The residency status of the successors and the deceased
Asset distribution usually favours spouses and children, followed by the deceased’s parents, siblings, grandparents, and relatives. In the event that there are no legitimate or surviving heirs or successors, all assets will go to the Government. Each family situation is unique, and engaging the best inheritance and succession lawyers in Singapore is always advisable.
Why Do You Need Inheritance and Succession Lawyers?
Following the death of a person, all assets, such as properties, securities, bank accounts, etc., are usually frozen. No one can legally access, sell, use, etc., any of these assets until the relevant authorities resolve the legalities. Things become even more complex when a person dies intestate, leaving assets as well as debts. Under Singapore law, the absence of a will means that there is no legal administrator for the estate.
In such instances, heirs, beneficiaries, and next of kin need to apply to the courts for Letters of Administration. This document provides a person with the legal authority to deal with the deceased’s estate. The process requires a court appearance and the appointment of legal counsel to settle the selection of an administrator. In such times of bereavement and need, a competent attorney will ensure that the process is as hassle-free as possible.
Another issue that is unique to Singapore is the inheritance of HDB flats, as it has extra constraints. Sole ownership is pretty straightforward, but sometimes the property is a joint tenancy, tenancy-in-common, or an HDB studio flat. There is a strict time limit for the legal paperwork and filing to transfer the title, sell the flat, etc. Beneficiaries without proper legal counsel can lose out as the processes vary and may need statutory declarations for further action.
Highly capable inheritance and succession attorneys are also necessary where the beneficiaries are vulnerable. This category includes minors and those who are mentally incapacitated, etc. The law requires additional due diligence and legal processes for this category of beneficiaries, such as sureties or bonds. Where the inheritance becomes contentious, reliable probate attorneys will be able to advise on the right course of action.
Where Should I Find the Best Inheritance and Succession Lawyers?
In some circumstances, e.g., where the bequest is small, you can administer the estate without engaging a lawyer. However, you will still need to apply for probate via Singapore’s electronic filing system, eLitigation. Some people may find the procedure daunting, especially since there is a time limit to the whole process. The more sensible course of action is to engage the best inheritance and succession lawyers in Singapore.
Finding the right match does require some due diligence, as you’ll want an attorney you are comfortable dealing with. Recommendations from friends and family are a good start, and Singapore’s Law Society also has excellent resources. You can also consider our Top 10 inheritance and succession attorneys list.
You’ll find only the very best lawyers in the list below, as our selection criteria are stringent and thorough. Our bar on expertise, professionalism, experience, as well as compassionate service is set at the very highest. These inheritance and succession attorneys will ensure the entire process is seamless, quick, and considerate of the family’s wishes.
Here are the Top 10 Inheritance and Succession Lawyers in Singapore
There are many inheritance and succession lawyers in Singapore. We worked with industry experts, and some business owners to discuss the best ones among them.
Yuen Law LLC
| Company Name: | Yuen Law LLC |
| Website: | https://yuenlaw.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 50 South Bridge Rd, #02-00/#03-00/#04-00, Singapore 058682 |
| Email Address: | in*****@yu*****.sg |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Thursday: 9am to 6pm |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for inheritance and succession services, full-service boutique legal practice dedicated to providing clients with sound, practical and cost-effective legal advice on commercial, corporate, intellectual property, family, private wealth, and dispute issues. |
PKWA Law Practice LLC
| Company Name: | PKWA Law Practice LLC |
| Website: | https://pkwalaw.com/ |
| Address: | 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #16-00, HDB Hub, East Wing Tower, Singapore 310480 |
| Email Address: | ma**@pk*****.com |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for inheritance and succession services, conveyancing and property law, family law, estate law, litigation & dispute resolution, corporate & commercial law, employment law, criminal defence, privacy & data protection, insurance law. |
DMO Law Corporation
| Company Name: | DMO Law Corporation |
| Website: | https://www.dmolaw.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 36 Armenian St, #05-11, Singapore 179934 |
| Email Address: | de*****@dm****.sg |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Thursday: 9am to 3pm Friday: 9am to 10pm Saturday: 9am to 12pm Sunday: Closed |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for inheritance and succession services, Civil Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Debt Enforcement, Defamation, Employment Claims Tribunal, Criminal Litigation, Criminal Law, Protection from Harassment Act, Family Law, Appointment of Deputy Divorce, Grant of Probate & Grant of Letters of Administration, Lasting Power of Attorney, Wills |
Bonsai Law Corporation
| Company Name: | Bonsai Law Corporation |
| Website: | https://www.bonsailaw.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 1 North Bridge Rd, #08-08 High Street Centre, Singapore 179094 |
| Email Address: | sh*****@bo*******.sg |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm Saturday: 2pm to 5pm Sunday: Closed |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for inheritance and succession services, Wills, Probate & Estate Planning, Family Law, Dispute Resolution, Criminal Defence, Personal Legal Procedures |
I.R.B Law LLP
| Company Name: | I.R.B Law LLP |
| Website: | https://irblaw.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 119 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 199008 |
| Email Address: | he***@ir****.sg |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 6pm |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for inheritance and succession services, Family Law, Estate Law, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Personal Legal Procedures, Syariah Law, Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Insolvency |
Singapore Family Lawyers
| Company Name: | Singapore Family Lawyers |
| Website: | https://singaporefamilylawyers.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #16-01 HDB Hub East Wing, Singapore 310480 |
| Email Address: | en*****@pk*****.com |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday: Closed |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for inheritance and succession services, Divorce, Deputyship, Lasting Power of Attorney, Trust, Prenuptial Agreement, Syariah Divorce, Muslim Inheritance |
Gloria James – Civetta & Co
| Company Name: | Gloria James – Civetta & Co |
| Website: | https://www.gjclaw.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 3 Church Street, #15-04 Samsung Hub, Singapore 049483 |
| Email Address: | co*****@gj****.sg |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 6pm |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for inheritance and succession services, criminal law, family law, estate law, civil disputes |
Loh Eben Ong LLP
| Company Name: | Loh Eben Ong LLP |
| Website: | https://law.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 135, #05-11 Middle Rd, Bylands Building, Singapore 188975 |
| Email Address: | eb**@la*.sg |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday: Closed |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for Inheritance and Succession Services, Power of Attorney for HDB Flats, Specific Power of Attorney, Lasting Power of Attorney, Notary Public, Apostille & Legalisation, Commissioning by Commissioner for Oaths, Corporate & Commercial Lawyers, Appointment of Deputy MCA |
A. W. Law LLC
| Company Name: | A. W. Law LLC |
| Website: | https://awlaw.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 133 New Bridge Rd, #12-07 Chinatown Point, Singapore 059413 |
| Email Address: | wa***@aw***.sg |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Friday: 9am to 10pm Saturday: 9am to 6pm |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for inheritance and succession services, Criminal Law, Family Law, Debt Recovery, Syariah Divorce, Civil Litigation, Probate Lawyer |
SimplyWills
| Company Name: | SimplyWills |
| Website: | https://www.simplywills.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 2 Havelock Rd, #05-18 Havelock 2, Singapore 059763 |
| Email Address: | wi***@si*********.sg |
| Operating Hours: | Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5pm Sunday: Closed |
| Services Offered: | Consultancy for inheritance and succession services, LPA. Wills, Probate & LOA, Advance medical directive, talks & training |
End of List on the Top 10 Best Inheritance and Succession Lawyers in Singapore
