Dealing with the financial matters of a loved one who has passed away can be a daunting task. If you have been entrusted with managing their estate, one of the important responsibilities you will have is to gain access to their bank accounts. Regardless of whether your loved one left a will or not, there is a well-defined process in Singapore that can assist you.

There’s a Will:

Executor’s Role: If your loved one had a will, it is highly probable that they designated an executor. This individual assumes the responsibility of overseeing and allocating the estate in a competent and efficient manner. In order to gain access to any bank accounts, the executor must acquire a Grant of Probate from the Family Justice Courts. This legal document affirms the validity of the will and grants the executor the necessary authority to manage the estate.

Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Collect Information: Begin by gathering all the necessary details about the assets, such as bank accounts, and compile them in a Schedule of Assets.

2. Submit the required documents: Documents such as the will and death certificate, to the Family Justice Courts to apply for probate.

3. Attend a Court Hearing: After the court has carefully reviewed and given their approval to the application, they will proceed to issue the Grant of Probate.

4. Pay a Visit to the Bank: Once the Grant of Probate is obtained, the executor can go to the bank, show their identification, and ask to close the account. The funds will be transferred to an estate account for distribution in accordance with the will.

If there is no will: 

Administrator’s role: If there is no will, it becomes necessary to appoint an administrator to handle the estate. Typically, a close family member such as a spouse or child fulfills this role.

Eligibility Criteria: The law gives priority to immediate family members, such as the surviving spouse, children, or other close relatives, to assume this responsibility.

Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Gather Information: Similar to creating a will, it’s important to collect all the necessary details about the deceased’s assets and create a Schedule of Assets.

2. Submit the necessary documents to the Family Justice Courts: to obtain the Letters of Administration, which will grant you the official authority to handle the estate.

3. Attend a Court Hearing: The court will carefully review the application, ensuring that all necessary details are in order. Once satisfied, they will promptly issue the Letters of Administration.

4. Pay a visit to the bank: With these letters in hand, you can confidently go to the bank, present your identification, and formally request the closure of your account. The funds will be deposited into an estate account for distribution in accordance with Singapore’s intestacy laws.

Is Legal Advice Necessary?

When it comes to accessing a deceased person’s bank account, there are several legal steps and paperwork that need to be followed. Although it is feasible to handle things independently, enlisting the assistance of a probate lawyer can alleviate the stress and guarantee that all matters are dealt with in a proper manner.