The role and function of the registry is to issue grant of probate (where there is a valid will), letter of administration (where there is no valid will), summary administration of intestate estate not exceeding $25,000.00 and re-sealing grant for letter of administration. The probate office is headed by the Probate Officer, Deputy Probate Officers and Assistant Probate Officer.
In order to be recognized legally to deal with the deceased's estate in the case of where there is no will, an administrator must be appointed. In the event there is a will an executor would be appointed as named in the will.
The letter of administration will be issued authorizing the person(s) to be appointed as the administrator to administer the estate and distribute the assets in accordance to the Probate and Administration Act, Cap 11.
Whereby if there is a will, the deceased must specify a person to be appointed as the executor to carry out the instructions. The grant of probate is a court order authorising an executor to administer the deceased's estate in accordance to the instructions in the will.
Following the launching of the judicial case management system in 2015, the registry continues to deal with all probate matters electronically. All applications are operated using the electronic system making it more efficient to retrieve files for hearings and more accessible to obtain electronic database. However applications made for letter of administration and grant of probate are done by paper form since in almost all cases the applicants are layman in person.
The registry will continue to enhance better cooperation and coordination among the relevant current agencies such as Syariah Court, Land Transport Department and Land Department and appreciate their continuous support in ensuring that the assets are being distributed in an orderly manner.
The Probate Office will work closely with the stakeholders to further enhance its services which may include the reviewing of the current law where improvements can be facilitated.
