Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your Best Probate Lawyers in Singapore
Estate planning is a great way to control asset distribution, but the legalities don’t end with a written will. This is where probate comes in, and engaging the best probate lawyers in Singapore is a sensible move. The list of legal tasks and requirements is long and complex and best left in the hands of professionals.
In Singapore, wills and inheritances are the purview of the Probate and Administration Act and the Intestate Succession Act. As per the law, a Grant of Letter of Representation (LOR) is the first step in probate matters. It allows for the proper legal distribution of assets, without which the estate’s administration vests in the Public Trustee. In general, there will be no access to assets, bank accounts, insurance, etc., without a probate grant.
A good probate lawyer will see to the necessary paperwork and filing, in which probate law is quite substantial. Engaging such attorneys is practical, sensible, and a reliable way to secure wealth distribution. In our guide, we explain why probate attorneys play such a crucial role when it comes to wills and inheritances. To find the best in the industry, check out the names in our Top 10 list.
What Are Probate Lawyers?
Probate means the legal proving of a will that facilitates the disbursement of a deceased’s assets. This necessitates an application for a Grant of LOR, empowering the grantee to deal with the estate. Probate lawyers provide legal counsel to the will’s administrators, executors, or beneficiaries in carrying out the probate process. The best probate lawyers in Singapore are legal professionals who provide the following services:
- Represent clients in court.
- Submit or file the appropriate documents or claims
- Identify legitimate beneficiaries, heirs, administrators, etc.
- Get appraisals of assets and inheritances
- Handling estate taxes, collecting insurance claims, etc.
- Setting up all outstanding accounts, debts, etc.
- Ensure proper distribution, administration, and legal transfer of all assets.
Singapore’s Grant of LOR encompasses three types of administrative awards. These are Grant of Probate, Grant of Letters of Administration, and Grant of Letters of Administration with Will Annexed. A reliable probate attorney will immediately know what type of grant to apply for under the circumstances. Determining criteria include the value of the estate, outstanding liabilities, and whether there are intestacy issues to consider.
Applications for probate are to the Family Justice Courts or Family Division of the High Court. This legal process is a necessary step that does the following things:
- Establishes the legality of a will
- Ensures the will adheres to Singapore’s probate laws
- Facilitates the disbursement of assets
- Empowers the administration of the estate
Why Do You Need Probate Lawyers?
It is not mandatory to engage a probate lawyer, and Singapore does have competent alternative solutions. For example, the eLitigation portal is an excellent place to start for anyone wanting to handle things themselves. This is practical where the estate is small and you have some working knowledge of probate law. However, it becomes a bit risky when the opposite is true.
Aside from the tremendous paperwork involved, engaging legal assistance is essential as probate law is complex. There are taxation, debts or liabilities, and insurance to consider, while foreign property or trusts will add to the complexities. Others may have intricate instructions that require legal clarification, notarisation, etc. Time is also of the essence; delays, or wrong submissions, can result in loss or a waste of resources.
Probate lawyers will undoubtedly be necessary when the will or estate administration becomes contentious. This is likely for significant assets or estate and one that has numerous beneficiaries. It can also arise where heirs and beneficiaries feel that the administrators are not doing their job correctly. Disputes can turn ugly quickly and are pretty likely during the stressful time of bereavement.
A skilled probate attorney can circumvent all these unpleasantries with counsel that is clear, transparent, and relevant. They will be able to provide appropriate legal strategies and advise on the proper course of action where necessary. They will also avoid delays, handle all the paperwork, and protect your interests at all times. Investing in an experienced probate attorney is an excellent tactical move when your inheritance is at stake.
Where Should I Find the Best Probate Lawyers in Singapore?
The 2021 Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report pegs Singapore as the tenth wealthiest nation in the world. Estate and wealth management is becoming a societal norm, and a reliable probate attorney will stand you in good stead. When looking for the best probate lawyers in Singapore, there are a few key points to keep in mind.
You’ll want an attorney with skill, experience, and well-established industry connections. A proven track record is essential to foster confidence and trust. Another good trait to look out for is a legal professional who is empathetic and a good communicator.
These criteria factor significantly in our Top 10 list, forming a core part of our due diligence. The names in our list have decades of practical experience and are current with the latest legal amendments. We’re confident you’ll find the best match here.
Here are the Top 10 Probate Lawyers in Singapore
Populus Law
| Company Name: | Populus Law |
| Website: | https://www.populuslaw.com.sg/ |
| Email Address: | ja****@po********.sg |
| Address: | Havelock II, 2 Havelock Road, #05-14 Singapore 059763 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 9 am–5 pm |
PKWA Law Practice LLC
| Company Name: | PKWA Law Practice LLC |
| Website: | https://pkwalaw.com/ |
| Email Address: | ma**@pk*****.com |
| Address: | 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #16-00, HDB Hub, East Wing Tower, Singapore 310480 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 9 am–6 pm |
Yuen Law LLC
| Company Name: | Yuen Law LLC |
| Website: | https://yuenlaw.com.sg/ |
| Email Address: | in*****@yu*****.sg |
| Address: | 50 South Bridge Rd, #02-00/#03-00/#04-00, Singapore 058682 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 9 am–6 pm |
Bonsai Law
| Company Name: | Bonsai Law |
| Website: | https://www.bonsailaw.com.sg/ |
| Email Address: | sh*****@bo*******.sg |
| Address: | 1 North Bridge Rd, #08-08 High Street Centre, Singapore 179094 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 9 am–6 pm Saturday: 2 pm–5 pm |
Singapore Family Lawyers
| Company Name: | Singapore Family Lawyers |
| Website: | https://singaporefamilylawyers.com.sg/ |
| Email Address: | en*****@pk*****.com |
| Address: | 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #16-01 HDB Hub East Wing, Singapore 310480 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 9 am–6 pm |
SimplyWills
| Company Name: | SimplyWills |
| Website: | https://www.simplywills.com.sg/ |
| Email Address: | wi***@si*********.sg |
| Address: | 2 Havelock Rd, #05-18 Havelock 2, Singapore 059763 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Saturday: 10 am–5 pm |
Bhavini Law Practice
| Company Name: | Bhavini Law Practice |
| Website: | https://www.bhavinislawpractice.com/ |
| Email Address: | bh*****@bh*****************.com |
| Address: | 3 Shenton Way, #07-05 Shenton House, Singapore 068805 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 10 am–6 pm |
Asia Law Corporation
| Company Name: | Asia Law Corporation |
| Website: | https://asialawcorp.com/ |
| Email Address: | ad***@as*********.com |
| Address: | 490 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, #03-17 MRT, HDB Hub, Singapore 310490 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 9 am–6 pm |
Grace Law LLC
| Company Name: | Grace Law LLC |
| Website: | https://www.gracelaw.sg/ |
| Email Address: | in**@gr****.sg |
| Address: | 151 Chin Swee Rd., #13-15 Manhattan House, Singapore 169876 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 9 am–6 pm |
Alpha Law LLC
| Company Name: | Alpha Law LLC |
| Website: | https://alphalawllc.com/ |
| Email Address: | la*@al*********.com |
| Address: | 190 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, #05-508, Singapore 310190 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday-Friday: 9 am–5:30 pm |
End of List on the Top 10 Best Probate Lawyers in Singapore
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