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1. Why a Will Matters in Singapore

Without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act (Cap. 146), which follows a rigid statutory formula. This formula does not account for your personal wishes, the specific needs of your dependants, or the unique financial circumstances of your family. For example, under the Act, if you are married with children, your spouse receives only half your estate — the other half goes to your children in equal shares. If one of your children is a minor, their share will be held by the Public Trustee until they turn 21, subject to administrative fees.

More critically, unmarried partners — regardless of the length of your relationship — receive absolutely nothing under the intestacy rules. In a multicultural, legally diverse city like Singapore, where many couples live together without being married, this is a critical gap that a Will can close.

2. The Legal Framework — Wills Act (Cap. 352)

The Wills Act (Cap. 352) governs all non-Muslim Singaporeans. Muslim Singaporeans' estates are governed by Muslim inheritance law (faraid) administered by the Syariah Court, and the rules differ significantly. For Wills made under the Wills Act, the formal requirements are strict:

• Age: You must be at least 21 years old to make a Will (unlike England where 18 is the minimum). Exception: servicemen on active duty may make a privileged Will at a younger age.

• Written form: The Will must be in writing. A typewritten Will is perfectly valid.

• Testator's signature: You must sign at the foot or end of the Will. If physically unable, another person may sign in your presence and at your direction.

• Two witnesses, simultaneously present: Two witnesses must be present at the same time and must see you sign (or acknowledge your prior signature). They must then each sign in your presence.

• Witnesses must not be beneficiaries: A witness (or their spouse) who is also a beneficiary will forfeit their gift under the Will, though the Will itself remains valid.

⚠️ Marriage Revokes Your Will Automatically: Under Section 13 of the Wills Act, marriage automatically revokes any previously made Will, unless the Will was made in express contemplation of that marriage. If you recently married or plan to marry, you must make a new Will after the ceremony. Divorce does not revoke a Will but does revoke any gift or appointment of executor given to a former spouse under it.

3. CPF — The Most Misunderstood Asset in Singapore Estate Planning

This is the single most important point for Singapore residents: your CPF savings are NOT covered by your Will.CPF monies (Ordinary, Special, MediSave and Retirement Account balances) form no part of your estate and cannot be directed by your Will. They are distributed according to a separate CPF Nomination made directly with the CPF Board.

If you die without a CPF Nomination, your CPF savings will be transferred to the Public Trustee's Office, which will distribute them according to the intestacy rules — regardless of what your Will says. The process is lengthy and involves administrative fees deducted from your CPF balance.

To make or update a CPF Nomination, log in to your CPF account via cpf.gov.sg — it takes under 15 minutes and you will need two witnesses who are not your nominated beneficiaries.

4. What Your Will Should Contain

Case Study: Priya Nair's Estate Plan in Singapore

Background: Priya (44) is married to Rahul, a Singapore PR. They have two children aged 8 and 14. Priya owns a HDB flat (joint tenancy with Rahul), has a private bank account with SGD 380,000, and a CPF balance of approximately SGD 210,000 across all accounts.

The Issues Without Planning:

• The HDB flat in joint tenancy automatically passes to Rahul on Priya's death by survivorship — no action needed there, but Priya should be aware this is outside her Will's control.

• The bank account would be distributed per the Intestate Succession Act if there were no Will: SGD 190,000 to Rahul and SGD 95,000 each to the two children.

• The 8-year-old's share (SGD 95,000) would go to the Public Trustee until they turn 21 — with administrative fees and no flexibility.

Priya's Will (reviewed by Caira):

• Executor: Rahul as primary, her sister Ananya as substitute.

• Bank account: SGD 200,000 to Rahul outright, remainder held on trust for both children equally until age 21, managed by Ananya as trustee.

• Guardian: Ananya appointed as guardian for the children if Rahul also predeceases Priya.

• CPF: Separately nominated 100% to Rahul via CPF website — not in the Will.

• Caira's role: Caira flagged that the Will's residuary clause didn't explicitly address what happens if both Rahul and a child predecease Priya — a gap that could leave part of the estate in intestacy. Priya updated it to include a "per stirpes" distribution clause.

5. Will Template (Microsoft Word / PDF)

Copy the template below into Microsoft Word, fill in the bracketed fields, print, and have two witnesses present while you sign. Store the original in a secure location and keep a PDF backup. Inform your executor where the original is kept.

📋 Copy Template → Paste into Word 📄 Copy Plain Text

Important: This template is for non-Muslim Singaporeans only. Muslim Singaporeans should refer to the Syariah Court for estate matters. CPF must be dealt with via a separate CPF Nomination.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [FULL LEGAL NAME]

I, [Full Legal Name], NRIC/Passport No. [Number], of [Full Singapore Address], being of sound mind and testamentary capacity, hereby revoke all former Wills and testamentary dispositions previously made by me and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.

1. APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR(S)
1.1 I appoint [Full Name of Executor], NRIC No. [Number], of [Address], as the Executor of this my Will.
1.2 If the above named Executor is unable or unwilling to act, I appoint [Full Name of Substitute Executor], NRIC No. [Number], of [Address], as Executor in substitution.
1.3 I direct that my Executor shall not be required to provide any security for the due performance of their duties.

2. SPECIFIC BEQUESTS
2.1 I give my [property / asset description] at [address / account details] to [Full Name of Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number], absolutely.
2.2 I give the sum of Singapore Dollars [Amount] (SGD [X]) to [Full Name of Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number].
2.3 I give all my personal jewellery and personal effects to [Full Name of Beneficiary].

3. RESIDUARY ESTATE
3.1 I give the whole of the residue of my estate (both real and personal property, wherever situated) to [Full Name of Primary Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number], absolutely.
3.2 If [Primary Beneficiary] shall predecease me or die within 30 days of my death, I give the residue of my estate to [Full Name of Substitute Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number], absolutely.

4. TRUSTS FOR MINORS
If any beneficiary is under the age of twenty-one (21) years at the date of my death, their share shall be held on trust by [Full Name of Trustee], NRIC No. [Number], and invested and managed for that beneficiary's benefit until they attain the age of twenty-one (21) years, at which point the trust shall vest absolutely in that beneficiary.

5. APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN
In the event that I survive my spouse/partner, I appoint [Full Name of Guardian], NRIC No. [Number], of [Address], to be the guardian of my minor children, namely [Child's Name] (DOB: [Date]) and [Child's Name] (DOB: [Date]).

6. FUNERAL WISHES (Non-binding guidance)
I express my wish that my remains be [cremated / buried] and that a [religious / non-religious] ceremony be held. Further guidance is set out in my Letter of Wishes retained with this Will.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Day] day of [Month] [Year].

SIGNED by the above-named Testator as their Last Will and Testament, in the presence of both of us present at the same time, who at their request and in their presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses:

Testator's Signature: ____________________________
Full Name: [Name]
Date: [Date]

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [FULL LEGAL NAME]

I, [Full Legal Name], NRIC/Passport No. [Number], of [Full Singapore Address], being of sound mind and testamentary capacity, hereby revoke all former Wills and testamentary dispositions previously made by me and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.

1. APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR(S)
1.1 I appoint [Full Name of Executor], NRIC No. [Number], of [Address], as the Executor of this my Will.
1.2 If the above named Executor is unable or unwilling to act, I appoint [Full Name of Substitute Executor], NRIC No. [Number], of [Address], as Executor in substitution.
1.3 I direct that my Executor shall not be required to provide any security for the due performance of their duties.

2. SPECIFIC BEQUESTS
2.1 I give my [property / asset description] at [address / account details] to [Full Name of Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number], absolutely.
2.2 I give the sum of Singapore Dollars [Amount] (SGD [X]) to [Full Name of Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number].
2.3 I give all my personal jewellery and personal effects to [Full Name of Beneficiary].

3. RESIDUARY ESTATE
3.1 I give the whole of the residue of my estate (both real and personal property, wherever situated) to [Full Name of Primary Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number], absolutely.
3.2 If [Primary Beneficiary] shall predecease me or die within 30 days of my death, I give the residue of my estate to [Full Name of Substitute Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number], absolutely.

4. TRUSTS FOR MINORS
If any beneficiary is under the age of twenty-one (21) years at the date of my death, their share shall be held on trust by [Full Name of Trustee], NRIC No. [Number], and invested and managed for that beneficiary's benefit until they attain the age of twenty-one (21) years, at which point the trust shall vest absolutely in that beneficiary.

5. APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN
In the event that I survive my spouse/partner, I appoint [Full Name of Guardian], NRIC No. [Number], of [Address], to be the guardian of my minor children, namely [Child's Name] (DOB: [Date]) and [Child's Name] (DOB: [Date]).

6. FUNERAL WISHES (Non-binding guidance)
I express my wish that my remains be [cremated / buried] and that a [religious / non-religious] ceremony be held. Further guidance is set out in my Letter of Wishes retained with this Will.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Day] day of [Month] [Year].

SIGNED by the above-named Testator as their Last Will and Testament, in the presence of both of us present at the same time, who at their request and in their presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses:

Testator's Signature: ____________________________
Full Name: [Name]
Date: [Date]

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [FULL LEGAL NAME]

I, [Full Legal Name], NRIC/Passport No. [Number], of [Full Singapore Address], being of sound mind and testamentary capacity, hereby revoke all former Wills and testamentary dispositions previously made by me and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.

1. APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR(S)
1.1 I appoint [Full Name of Executor], NRIC No. [Number], of [Address], as the Executor of this my Will.
1.2 If the above named Executor is unable or unwilling to act, I appoint [Full Name of Substitute Executor], NRIC No. [Number], of [Address], as Executor in substitution.
1.3 I direct that my Executor shall not be required to provide any security for the due performance of their duties.

2. SPECIFIC BEQUESTS
2.1 I give my [property / asset description] at [address / account details] to [Full Name of Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number], absolutely.
2.2 I give the sum of Singapore Dollars [Amount] (SGD [X]) to [Full Name of Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number].
2.3 I give all my personal jewellery and personal effects to [Full Name of Beneficiary].

3. RESIDUARY ESTATE
3.1 I give the whole of the residue of my estate (both real and personal property, wherever situated) to [Full Name of Primary Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number], absolutely.
3.2 If [Primary Beneficiary] shall predecease me or die within 30 days of my death, I give the residue of my estate to [Full Name of Substitute Beneficiary], NRIC No. [Number], absolutely.

4. TRUSTS FOR MINORS
If any beneficiary is under the age of twenty-one (21) years at the date of my death, their share shall be held on trust by [Full Name of Trustee], NRIC No. [Number], and invested and managed for that beneficiary's benefit until they attain the age of twenty-one (21) years, at which point the trust shall vest absolutely in that beneficiary.

5. APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN
In the event that I survive my spouse/partner, I appoint [Full Name of Guardian], NRIC No. [Number], of [Address], to be the guardian of my minor children, namely [Child's Name] (DOB: [Date]) and [Child's Name] (DOB: [Date]).

6. FUNERAL WISHES (Non-binding guidance)
I express my wish that my remains be [cremated / buried] and that a [religious / non-religious] ceremony be held. Further guidance is set out in my Letter of Wishes retained with this Will.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Day] day of [Month] [Year].

SIGNED by the above-named Testator as their Last Will and Testament, in the presence of both of us present at the same time, who at their request and in their presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses:

Testator's Signature: ____________________________
Full Name: [Name]
Date: [Date]

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to register my Will in Singapore?
A: There is no mandatory registration in Singapore. However, you can voluntarily deposit your Will with the Singapore Academy of Law's Wills Registry (wills-registry.sal.sg) for a fee of approximately SGD 50–70. This makes it easier for your executor to locate after your death. Crucially, tell your executor where the original is kept — a Will that cannot be found is treated as if it doesn't exist.

Q: Can a handwritten (holographic) Will be valid in Singapore?
A: Yes, it can be valid — but it still requires two independent witnesses to sign in your presence. There is no exception in Singapore that allows a fully handwritten Will to be valid without witnesses (unlike some other jurisdictions). The witnesses must sign at the same time as each other, in your presence.

Q: What assets are outside my Will's control in Singapore?
A: CPF savings (must use CPF Nomination), insurance policies with a named beneficiary (Section 73 Conveyancing and Law of Property Act), assets held in a joint tenancy (passes by survivorship), and assets in a trust. Review each of these separately to ensure your overall estate plan is cohesive.

Q: My HDB flat is in joint names — what happens to it?
A: If your HDB flat is held as a joint tenancy (the most common arrangement), it automatically passes to the surviving co-owner upon your death — it does not form part of your estate and cannot be directed by your Will. If it is held as a tenancy in common, your share will form part of your estate and can be dealt with by your Will.

Official Sources

• Wills Act (Cap. 352) — Singapore Statutes: sso.agc.gov.sg

• Intestate Succession Act (Cap. 146): sso.agc.gov.sg

• CPF Board — Nomination: cpf.gov.sg

• Singapore Academy of Law Wills Registry: sal.org.sg

This article is based on Singapore law as of 2026 and is provided for informational purposes only. Use Caira to analyse your specific document before signing.