Wills, LPA and probate lawyers in Singapore
Planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for your family. We help you write a will that holds up, appoint the right people to act for you, and guide your loved ones through probate when the time comes.
General information on wills, LPAs and probate in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
How we approach wills and estates
Drafted to be valid, first time
A will that fails a formality can leave your estate to the default rules instead of your wishes. We make sure every requirement is met and the signing is properly witnessed.
Joined-up planning
We look at your will, LPA, CPF nomination and insurance nominations together, so nothing slips through the gaps.
Fixed fees for planning work
Wills and LPAs are quoted at a fixed fee up front, so you can plan ahead without worrying about the bill.
Our estate law services
We help individuals and families plan ahead, and support executors and next of kin in administering an estate.
- Will writing
- Will review & updates
- Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
- Grant of Probate
- Letters of Administration
- Estate administration & distribution
- Advice to executors & administrators
- Deputyship applications
Estate planning in Singapore
A will decides what happens to your assets after you pass away. An LPA decides who makes decisions for you if you lose mental capacity while alive. Most adults benefit from both.
What makes a will valid
Under Singapore's Wills Act, a will must meet a few basic requirements.
- You must be 21 or older
- And of sound mind, understanding what you own and who you are providing for.
- It must be in writing and signed
- Signed by you at the end of the will, or by someone else in your presence and at your direction.
- Two witnesses, present together
- Both witnesses must be present when you sign, and then sign in your presence.
- Witnesses shouldn't benefit
- A gift to a witness, or to a witness's spouse, is generally void. The will itself still stands, but that person loses their gift.
Your will doesn't cover everything
CPF savings are not distributed by your will. They go to the people named in your CPF nomination, or are handled by the Public Trustee if there's none. Some insurance policies also pass by nomination. We'll review these alongside your will so your plans line up.
If there is no will
If someone dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed under the Intestate Succession Act, whatever their wishes may have been. For example:
- Spouse and children
- Half to the surviving spouse, half shared equally among the children.
- Spouse and parents, no children
- Half to the surviving spouse, half to the parents.
- Spouse only
- The whole estate goes to the surviving spouse.
Lasting Power of Attorney
An LPA lets you appoint one or more people, called donees, to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity. Without one, your family may have to apply to court to be appointed as your deputy, which takes longer and costs more.
- LPA Form 1
- Grants standard, general powers over your personal welfare and/or property and affairs. Suitable for most people.
- LPA Form 2
- Allows custom powers and specific restrictions. It must be drafted by a lawyer.
Administering an estate
When someone passes away, their assets can't be released until the court appoints a person to deal with them.
- 1.
Find out if there is a will
Search the deceased's papers and the Wills Registry. Whether there's a valid will decides the type of application.
- 2.
Apply for the grant
With a will, the named executor applies to the Family Justice Courts for a Grant of Probate. Without one, the next of kin applies for Letters of Administration.
- 3.
Collect the assets and pay debts
With the grant, the executor or administrator collects the assets, such as bank accounts, property and shares, and settles the deceased's debts and expenses.
- 4.
Distribute the estate
The remaining estate is distributed to the beneficiaries, according to the will or the Intestate Succession Act.
Fees
Wills and LPAs are quoted at a fixed fee. Probate and administration depend on the size and complexity of the estate, so we quote after a short review of the assets involved.
| Will writingA tailored will, with a properly witnessed signing. | Fixed fee |
|---|---|
| Lasting Power of AttorneyLPA Form 2 drafting with custom powers, or guidance on Form 1. | Fixed fee |
| Probate & administrationApplying for the grant and administering the estate through to distribution. | Quoted upfront |
Every engagement includes
- A review of your family and asset position
- Plain-language advice on your options
- Preparation of all documents and court filings
- Guidance from the lawyer you met, start to finish
You will have a clear figure at your consultation before you commit to anything.
Start planning today
Whether you're writing your first will, putting an LPA in place, or dealing with a loved one's estate, book an initial consultation. We'll explain what you need, what it involves, and what it will cost, with no pressure to proceed.
Common questions
Do I really need a will?
If you have assets or dependants, yes. Without a valid will, your estate is distributed under the Intestate Succession Act, which may not match your wishes. It can't provide for a partner you aren't married to, a friend, or a charity, and it can't appoint guardians for young children.
Can I write my own will?
You can, but homemade wills often fail on formalities such as incorrect witnessing, or are unclear in ways that lead to family disputes. A lawyer-drafted will is far less likely to be challenged.
Does getting married affect my existing will?
Yes. Under Singapore law, marriage generally revokes a will made before it, unless the will was expressly made in contemplation of that marriage. Review your will whenever your circumstances change.
Are my CPF savings covered by my will?
No. CPF savings pass according to your CPF nomination, not your will. If you haven't made a nomination, they are distributed through the Public Trustee under intestacy rules. Some insurance policies also pass by nomination.
What happens if I lose mental capacity without an LPA?
Your family would need to apply to the court to be appointed as your deputy before they can make decisions about your finances or welfare. This takes longer, costs more, and the court decides who acts for you rather than you choosing.
What's the difference between probate and letters of administration?
A Grant of Probate is applied for by the executor named in a valid will. Letters of Administration are applied for when there's no valid will, usually by the next of kin. Both give the person legal authority to deal with the deceased's assets.
Is there estate duty in Singapore?
No. Estate duty was abolished for deaths on or after 15 February 2008.
Do these rules apply to Muslims?
Muslim estates in Singapore are generally governed by the Administration of Muslim Law Act, under which a will can only deal with up to one-third of the estate, with the rest distributed under faraid. The rules on LPAs are the same for everyone.
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