Joint-alternate bank account will not be included in the schedule of assets for applying the Grant of Probate

I have a joint-alternate bank account of a Singapore bank with my daughter. If I pass away, should the money in this joint-alternate bank account be included in the schedule of assets when she applies for Grant of Probate for my death?

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Answer by ChatGPT on 2026-01-19

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Short answer:

No — generally it is not included as an estate asset in the Schedule of Assets for the Grant of Probate.

Explanation (Singapore law & practice):

A joint-alternate bank account in Singapore normally carries the right of survivorship.

When one account holder passes away, the entire balance automatically belongs to the surviving joint holder (your daughter).

Because the money does not form part of the deceased’s estate, it is not listed as an estate asset in the Schedule of Assets submitted to the Family Justice Courts for a Grant of Probate.

However, a few important nuances:

Disclosure vs inclusion

While the balance is not included as an estate asset, some lawyers still disclose it separately (as a non-estate asset passing by survivorship) to be transparent, especially if the amount is substantial.

Exception — if survivorship is challenged The account may be treated as part of the estate if:

There is clear evidence of a contrary intention (e.g. written instructions that the money was not meant to pass to your daughter absolutely); or

The daughter was holding the funds on trust for you or other beneficiaries; or

There is evidence of undue influence, fraud, or lack of capacity when the account was created.

Bank process

Upon death, the bank usually allows the surviving joint holder to operate the account after producing the death certificate, without requiring probate.

In summary

Included in Schedule of Assets?

Item

Joint-alternate bank account (normal case)

❌ No

Passes to surviving joint holder

✅ Yes

May be disclosed as non-estate asset (best practice)

⚠️ Sometimes

If you wish, I can also:

Explain how this differs from joint tenancy vs tenants-in-common

Review wording used by Singapore banks

Suggest how your daughter should declare it safely in probate papers

Just let me know.