SingaporeCan an executor be removed?
Yes, an executor can be removed by the court under the Probate and Administration Act if they are unfit, incapable, or fail to perform their duties properly.
What the Law Says
The Probate and Administration Act gives the court power to remove an executor in certain circumstances.
Under section 32 of the Probate and Administration Act, the court may remove an executor or administrator who is 'unfit or incapable' of acting, or who has 'failed to perform his duty' as executor or administrator. This includes situations where the executor is mentally incapable, dishonest, uncooperative, or otherwise unable to administer the estate properly. The court may also appoint a replacement after removal. The provision applies equally to executors named in a will and administrators appointed by the court when there is no valid will.
Statutory TextThe Court may, on the application of any person interested, remove any executor or administrator who is unfit or incapable of acting or who has failed to perform his duty as executor or administrator, and may appoint another person in his place.
— Probate and Administration Act, s. 32 — Removal of executor or administrator
What to Do
1. Gather evidence showing the executor’s unfitness, incapacity, or failure to act (e.g., refusal to distribute assets, mental incapacity, misconduct)
2. File an application in the Family Justice Courts (Probate and Administration Division) seeking removal under s. 32
3. Serve notice on the executor and all beneficiaries with interest in the estate
4. Attend court hearing and present evidence; the court will decide whether to remove and appoint a replacement
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.