The Public Trustee cannot act if: 

a) The estate is worth more than $50,000; 

b) A court application for Letters of Administration or Grant of Probate has been filed; 

c) There are conflicting claims to the estate or disputes among the beneficiaries; 

d) The estate has outstanding debts or liabilities; 

e) The person who has died had shares or other interest in unlisted companies (foreign or local); 

f) The person who has died was a partner, a sole proprietor or had an interest in a firm or other business; 

g) The person who died was the sole lessee (owner) of a HDB flat and a child is eligible to inherit the whole or part of the flat; 

h) There are pending lawsuits which involve the person who has died; 

i) There are insurance policies where one or more people have been nominated as beneficiaries
[Under s73 of the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 1886. 61), s49L and s49M of the Insurance Act 1966]; 

j) There are trust bank accounts opened with a child; and 

k) There are commercial vehicles involved such as taxis.  

In these cases, you will need to apply to the court for Letters of Administration to deal with the deceased's estate. 

If you qualify for legal aid, you may apply to the Legal Aid Bureau for assistance in obtaining a Letter of Administration. More information on the Legal Aid Bureau can be accessed at www.lab.gov.sg. If you do not qualify for legal aid, you will need to engage the services of a lawyer.