Resealing a Singapore Grant of Probate in Victoria

A Singapore grant of probate or letters of administration does not, on its own, let an executor deal with land or bank accounts in Victoria. Before a Melbourne property can be sold or transferred, the executor generally needs either the Singapore grant resealed by the Supreme Court of Victoria, or a fresh Victorian grant.

Direct answer: Singapore is one of the places whose grants can be resealed in Victoria. Resealing gives the Singapore grant the same effect in Victoria as a Victorian grant, so the executor can then deal with the Victorian assets. Whether resealing or a new Victorian grant is the better route depends on the will, the assets and who is applying.

Resealing or a new Victorian grant?

We have done both for executors living in Singapore. Resealing usually suits an estate where the Singapore grant is already issued and the Victorian assets are straightforward. A new Victorian grant can be better where, for example, there is no Singapore grant yet, the Australian assets are the main part of the estate, or the Singapore grant does not fit Victorian requirements.

What the process involves

• Checking the Singapore grant, the will and the list of Australian assets.
• Publishing the required notice of intended application on the Supreme Court’s online advertising system before applying.
• Preparing the application and supporting documents, including sealed or certified copies of the Singapore grant and will.
• Arranging for documents to be signed in Singapore and returned to us.
• After the grant is resealed or issued: transferring or selling the Melbourne property, collecting bank accounts and finalising the estate.

Doing it from Singapore

Executors do not need to travel to Melbourne. We work by video call, email and courier, and coordinate with the executor’s Singapore lawyers where Singapore steps are involved. Where a Melbourne property is being sold, we can act on the sale as well, so one firm handles the Victorian side from start to finish.

Common questions

Can I sell the Melbourne apartment before the grant is resealed?

Generally no. The buyer and the land registry need to see that the executor has authority in Victoria, which comes from the resealed or Victorian grant.

Do I need a Singapore lawyer as well?

Usually yes, for the Singapore grant itself and Singapore assets. We advise on the Victorian side and work alongside your Singapore lawyers.

How much does it cost?

Many estates can be handled for a fixed fee, which we quote once we understand the estate. Court fees and advertising costs are extra.

This page is general information about Australian (mainly Victorian) law, not legal advice. Chua Tan Associates is a Melbourne law firm and does not advise on Singapore law.