Is there a specific time frame within which the grant of probate must be filed following the death of the testator?
The executor named in the Will or the beneficiary entitled to the deceased estate (if there is no Will), should file for grant of probate or grant of letters of administration within 6 months from the deceased date of death. If you are filing after 6 months, you must include the reason for the delay in the application form.
How long thereafter would the executor/administrator need to complete his duties by?
There is no quantifiable timeline in the Wills Act (or any other Act in Singapore for that matter) which the executor must complete his/her duties by, so long as it is within reason. It largely depends on the circumstances and the assets involved (e.g. if the estate includes a HDB flat or if there are multiple overseas assets). If there are unreasonable delays (e.g. executor has received $1M from the deceased bank account but gives no reason as to why the monies haven't been distributed to the beneficiaries yet after one year), the beneficiaries should speak with the executor first before considering seeking legal recourse.
Additionally, if the deceased has HDB, the following timelines should be met:
- obtain the grant of probate or grant of letter of administration within 12 months upon death;
- apply to HDB for transmission/transfer within 6 months of obtaining the grant;
- complete the sale/transfer within 12 months of applying to HDB.
Otherwise, HDB may lodge an instrument with the Registrar of Deeds or the Registrar of Titles to take over the said HDB flat.
