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Losing a Loved One
Helping you get things in order.
Losing a Loved One
We are here to help
If you recently lost a loved one, we understand this is an emotional time - and it may be a challenge to handle matters like closing their bank accounts.
3 steps to close a Personal Deposit Account
3 steps to close a Personal Deposit Account
(This process excludes Trust Accounts)
You will find details for each of these 3 steps here, which will show you what to expect and what to prepare.
1
Look for the Will
Your loved one’s will can clarify how they intend for their estate to be distributed; and who is to manage this.
To locate the will
You can check with your loved one’s lawyer or financial advisor; or search the Wills Registry for any records.
You can check with your loved one’s lawyer or financial advisor; or search the Wills Registry for any records.
If no will is found
Please proceed to Step 2 to see how you may be able to continue the process.
Please proceed to Step 2 to see how you may be able to continue the process.
2
Apply for Legal Documents
To formally close the bank account, you must apply for the relevant legal documents from the court. This is a potentially complex process which can take 2 to 6 months depending on your legal advisor and the complexity of the case. As such, you may wish to engage a lawyer to assist you with this step. Below are some answers to some questions you may have.
What do I apply for?
Where do I make my application?
For a detailed guide for the application of the legal documents kindly refer to the information provided by the Family Justice Court here.
I don’t know the value of my loved one’s estate at DBS. What should I do?
If you are the Personal Representative of the deceased estate:
1. The Executor of the estate (as appointed in the Will); or
2. The Administrator of the estate (as appointed in the Grant of Letters of Administration); or
3. The Next-of-Kin (as per distribution rules set out in the Intestate Succession Act) and there is no Will,
Simply fill in this form so that we can call you back to assist you personally with account closure arrangements.
Documents required:
- Deceased’s Death Certificate (Singapore-issued Digital Death Certificates will be accepted from 29 May 2022)
- Proof of Relationship (such as a Marriage or Birth Certificate)
- Identity Documents of Applicant/Next-of-Kin:
- Singaporean/PR: NRIC
- Malaysian: Malaysian IC
- Foreigner: Passport
*All submitted documents must be in English. Please ensure that all non-English documents are translated into English Language by an official translator.
3
Notify and Close the Bank Account
When you’re ready, simply fill in this form so that we can call you back to assist you personally with account closure arrangements.
Closing of Bank Account
Finally, you (and all other Legal Representatives as stated in the Grant) must be present at the bank branch for the closure of account and release of funds. Do note that the duration for account closure varies according to the type and number of accounts held by your loved one.
Once the account is closed, all existing GIRO and payment arrangements will be terminated.
Documents required:
- Deceased's Death Certificate (Singapore-issued Digital Death Certificates will be accepted from 29 May 2022)
- Proof of Relationship for all beneficiaries (such as Marriage or Birth Certificate)
- Original Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration sealed in Singapore Court (Soft or hardcopy)
- Authorisation for closure of account signed by all Administrators/Executors
- Identity Documents of all Administrators/Executors:
- Singaporean/PR: NRIC
- Malaysian: Malaysian IC
- Foreigner: Passport
*All submitted documents must be in English. Please ensure that all non-English documents are translated into English Language by an official translator.
Closing a Joint Account
If your loved one held a joint account, the bank can release all the remaining balance in the account to the surviving joint account holder(s) under Right of Survivorship.
Joint - All account:
The Bank is obligated to act ONLY if there is written instruction from all surviving joint account holders (or their respective authorised signatories).
Joint - Alternate account:
The Bank will be able to act with written instruction from ANY surviving joint account holder (or their respective authorised signatories). No further authorisation or notification from other joint account holders will be required.
Yes, we will require a Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration issued in the Singapore Court or a copy of the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration issued by the foreign court and resealed in the Singapore Court. You may wish to obtain advice from a Singapore lawyer on the requirements for the application process in Singapore Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the discounted Singtel shares (SDS) when your loved one passes away?
The procedure to handle the deceased’s discounted Singtel shares (SDS) is dependent on your loved one date of death as well as the CPF nomination status.
You may refer to more information through the CPF website: Link
You may refer to more information through the CPF website: Link
Can I use digital death or birth certificates instead of a physical copy?
Yes, you can. From 29 May 2022, the death registration process will be made simpler, and digital death certificate will be issued in place of physical certificate. Once the medical practitioner certifies the death online, the death will automatically be registered in ICA’s system, and a digital death certificate will be immediately generated by the system. The medical practitioner or hospital staff will provide the next-of-kin with the required information, such as the digital death certificate number, to allow them to download the digital death certificate from My Legacy.
For more information, visit the ICA website Link
What will happen to the existing GIRO arrangements under the joint account if one of the account holders had passed away?
Once the bank is notified of the passing of the account holder, the joint account will be frozen*. Upon closure of the account by the surviving account holder, all existing GIRO arrangement will be terminated.
*Upon tagging of “Account Frozen”, all operations of the account will be restricted i.e. no withdrawal will be permitted from the account, including GIRO arrangements and other payment arrangements.
What you need to take note if Personal Representative is located overseas
1. Does the Personal Representative need to be physically present at the branch to request for the closure of the deceased account(s)?
In situations where it is not feasible for the Personal Representative to visit Singapore, they can mail in a written request to the bank with their specific needs.
2. What documents are required by the bank to update the customer’s deceased status and proceed with account closure?
The following documents must be submitted to us in original. Inked copies must also be certified as true copies through notarization by an advocate and solicitor or a notary public. We do not accept photocopies.
- Copy of Death Certificate (notarized)
- Copy of Grant of Probate/Letter of Administration (notarized)
- Copy of Grant of Probate/Letter of Administration
(to be resealed in Singapore Court – if issued from overseas) - Copy of Marriage Certificate (If applicable, notarized)
- Copy of Passport/ID (Executor/Administrator, notarized)
- Original Account closure form (ink-signed, notarized)
- Original Telegraphic Transfer form (ink-signed, notarized)
All documents must be in English. For non-English documents, please make ensure they are translated into English by an official translator.
3. Where to mail the above required documents?
Please mail the required documents to:
DBS Bank Ltd
T&O - SG CB Ops - Account & Channel Services
Attn: Judicial Management & Document Retrieval Team
2 Changi Business Park Crescent,
#07-05, DBS Asia Hub Lobby B,
Singapore 486029
Yes, we will require a Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration issued in the Singapore Court or a copy of the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration issued by the foreign court and resealed in the Singapore Court. You may wish to obtain advice from a Singapore lawyer on the requirements for the application process in Singapore Court.
Useful Links
| ICA Lost Documents If you have misplaced your Birth or Death Certificates, you can get a new copy here. |
| Registry of Marriage Lost Documents If you have misplaced your Marriage Certificate, you can get a new copy here. |
| Public Trustee For estates worth below $50,000- The Public Trustee’s Office may assist you in the distribution of the assets. |
| Family Justice Courts Go here for details on applying for the legal documents required for account closure. |
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this webpage does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this page are for general informational purposes only. You should seek professional legal advice with respect to any particular legal matter relating to the estate, and only your legal advisor can provide advice which is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
Additional Assistance
Simply drop us a note here and our service team will contact you at your preferred date and time.
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