What is Probate?

This world is full of uncertainties and among those uncertainties, we managed to find ways to build stability. We work hard mostly not for ourselves but for the next generation. All the hardships and struggles are for the sake of our children and other entities that occupy a huge space in our hearts. Thus, when the inevitable happens, we wish to leave this world with peace of mind that our fortunes are allocated to the people who we cared for.

For this reason, one has to ensure that their Will is valid and legal. This is where the probate comes into the picture. Probate is a legal procedure that aims to make a Will legal and effective in the event that the person who wrote it passed away. A probate lawyer ensures the authenticity of the content as well as being granted by the owner of the letter to carry out the Will in the right time.

Last will and testament is a common thing for most of us. Many, if not all of us, have a good idea of what that letter is for and what it contains. However, there are only a few who know that legal assistance must be employed in order to validate a person’s last will and testament. Thus, if you are planning to draft your Will, you will have to seek a probate lawyer in Singapore to review and validate your legal document.

What does a Probate Lawyer in Singapore Do?

A probate lawyer represents the deceased person and carries out the Will (if there is any) or distributes the assets and fortunes to the family members. They have two distinct functions depending on the circumstances. If the deceased person left a Will and has been sworn before the law, the lawyer will apply a Grant of Probate to the court in order to legally carry out the content of the letter. However, if there is no Will left by the deceased, administration may be applied in order to legally distribute the person’s assets to his relatives.

Here are some things a Will validated by a probate lawyer has that a simple written letter does not have:

1. Error-proof Testaments.

With their skills and expertise, probate lawyers are trained to see discrepancies in official papers.

2. Synced information from the actual asset available.

As your lawyer often also manages your taxes and assets, they will be able to sync the actual assets to the ones written in your last Will.

3. Correct names and identities of the heirs and beneficiaries.

Getting the names of your heirs and beneficiaries wrong is a common mistake, resulting in voiding their claims. A probate lawyer will ensure that all the names in the Will are correct, verified and updated.

4. Legal Power.

A Will that is validated by a probate lawyer will be considered legal and they will be granted the power to allocate your wealth according to your Will after your passing.