Will Writing in Singapore: Plan Your Legacy, Protect Your Wishes

Writing a will is an important part of estate and legacy planning in Singapore. A properly prepared will allows you to record how you would like your assets and personal wishes to be handled after your passing, while giving your loved ones greater clarity during a difficult time.

Who Can Write a Will in Singapore?

Generally, you can make a will in Singapore if you are:

21 years old or above

Of sound mind

making the will voluntarily, without being forced or pressured by another person.

You do not have to be a lawyer to write a will. However, professional legal advice may be helpful if you have complex assets, overseas property or specific family circumstances.

What about the witnesses?

For a civil will, the will must generally be signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who are present at the same time, and the same witnesses must then sign the will in the testator’s presence.

The witnesses should be:

21 years old or above

Of sound mind

Not beneficiaries under the will

Not spouses of beneficiaries

Having an intended beneficiary or their spouse act as a witness can create legal complications, so it is best to use independent witnesses.

Does a Will Have to Be in English?

No. A will does not have to be written in English. You may write your will in another language, such as Chinese. However, if the will needs to be used in court, a translation may be required.

How Do You Make a Will Legally Valid?

There is generally no need to notarise or “legalise” a will in Singapore. Instead, the will must comply with the formal requirements under the Wills Act 1838, including the required signatures and witnesses. It is also important to keep the original will safely and ensure your executor knows where it is located.

Can You Include Funeral and Columbarium Wishes in Your Will?

Yes. You can record your preferred funeral arrangements, cremation or burial wishes, and memorial arrangements in your will or a separate letter of wishes.

However, a will only takes effect after your passing. Pre-planning your funeral package and columbarium niche allows you to make these important decisions yourself while you are still able to do so.

With funeral pre-planning, you can choose your preferred arrangements, select a columbarium niche, discuss your wishes with your family and put your plans in place in advance.

Your will records your wishes; pre-planning allows you to arrange them yourself.

Plan Ahead, Give Your Family Peace of Mind

Take the time to plan your will, funeral arrangements and memorial space today. Giving clear instructions in advance can help reduce uncertainty and make things easier for your loved ones when the time comes.

Start your legacy and final arrangement planning today.

What should you learn next?

Hi, I am Ada.

I am a Service Director at Nirvana Singapore.

I am happy to assist you in your pre-planning journey.

您好，我是楚楚
我是一名新加坡富贵山庄的专业生命经理师，很荣幸为您提供事前规划的服务。
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