You know that feeling when you’re halfway out the door and realise you forgot something important?
Not having a will is kind of like that — except the stakes are much higher.

A will isn’t just legal paperwork. It’s your voice, your wishes, and your way of taking care of the people you love — even after you’re gone.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What a will actually is and why it matters more than you think
• How to write a will in Singapore (DIY or with help)
• What it might cost — so you’re not caught off guard

Let’s get started on making sure your legacy is in the right hands.

What exactly is a will?

A will isn’t just a legal document — it’s your final say on who gets what when you’re no longer around.

Think of it like a personal roadmap you leave behind. It spells out how your assets should be distributed, who should look after your kids, and who’s in charge of making sure it all gets done.

In Singapore, without a will, the law decides how your assets are split. And that might not match what you actually want.

A will lets you:

• Choose who gets your property, money, or even your favourite watch

• Appoint a guardian for your children

• Avoid family disputes and legal delays

• Give clear instructions that remove any guesswork

So while it may seem like something for “future you” to handle, it’s one of the most practical, caring things you can do for the people you love.

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Why having a will matters more than you think

Let’s face it — life is unpredictable. And if you don’t leave a will behind, you’re basically letting someone else decide what happens to your hard-earned assets.

Without a will in Singapore, your estate gets divided according to the Intestate Succession Act — a legal formula that doesn’t consider your personal relationships, wishes, or who actually needs what.

Here’s why a will is essential:

• You control the outcome: Decide exactly who inherits what — not just your next of kin by default.

• Protect your children: Appoint a guardian of your choice, instead of leaving it to the courts.

• Prevent family disputes: Clear instructions mean fewer misunderstandings, fewer arguments, and less stress.

• Secure your business or legacy: If you own a business, a will helps ensure smooth continuity.

A will isn’t about being morbid. It’s about being responsible — and showing love in the most practical way possible.

Singapore’s Wills Act: The rules behind the roadmap

The Wills Act in Singapore — yes, the one from way back in 1838 — still forms the legal backbone for how wills work today.

It might sound ancient, but don’t let the date fool you. This Act lays out the key rules to ensure your will is legally valid and carries weight when it matters most.

Here’s what it says:

• You must be at least 21 years old and of sound mind.

• Your will has to be in writing — handwritten or typed is fine.

• It must be signed by you, the testator, at the end of the will.

• You need two witnesses, present at the same time, who also sign the will. They can’t be beneficiaries or married to one.

The Act doesn’t cover everything — like digital assets or cryptocurrency — but it’s a solid framework. For modern or complex situations, professional advice can help fill in the gaps.

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What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Singapore?

Writing a will isn’t just about putting your wishes on paper — it needs to follow a few important rules to hold up legally in Singapore.

Here’s what you need to check off:

• You must be 21 years old or above.

• You must be of sound mind — meaning you fully understand what you’re doing and what assets you’re distributing.

• The will must be in writing. No video recordings, voice notes, or WhatsApp messages — it needs to be on paper.

• You must sign the will at the end, and this must happen in front of two witnesses.

• The two witnesses must sign the will in your presence, and each other’s. They can’t be beneficiaries or married to a beneficiary.

Miss any of these steps, and your will might not be enforceable — which can lead to confusion, disputes, and legal delays later on.

What Should You Include in Your Will?

A proper will isn’t just a list of names. It’s also a full breakdown of what you’re leaving behind.

Here’s what to consider:

• CPF savings
  Your CPF funds don’t fall under your will. You’ll need to make a CPF nomination separately. If you skip this, the Public Trustee’s Office takes over, and your CPF gets distributed based on default laws.

• Your property
  Whether it’s an HDB flat or private condo, clearly state who it should go to. Especially if it’s joint ownership, be clear on how your share is handled.

• Insurance policies
  If you’ve named beneficiaries in your insurance nomination, the payout goes to them — not via your will. But if not, include the policy in your will so your intentions are clear.

• Investments
  Stocks, unit trusts, or even crypto wallets — if it has value, it belongs in the will. List these properly to avoid future messes.

• Savings and cash
  Your bank accounts, savings, or any stashed-away money — don’t leave them out. Be specific to avoid confusion or delays.

Think of your will as a practical guide for your family. The clearer you are, the smoother things go.

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How Do You Write a Will in Singapore?

Writing a will sounds serious, but the steps are pretty manageable once you know what to do.

Here’s how to go about it:

• List your assets and decide who gets what
  Think property, savings, insurance (if not separately nominated), and personal items. Assign them to specific people or organisations. Be clear.

• Pick an executor you trust
  This person will carry out your wishes. They should be responsible, organised, and willing to do the job. You can also name a backup.

• Appoint a guardian (if you have kids)
  Got children under 21? You’ll need to name someone to care for them if you’re not around. It’s a big decision, so choose carefully.

• Include your personal wishes
  Whether it’s a simple funeral or a specific religious ceremony, this is the place to say it.

• Write it all down clearly
  You can do it yourself (if things are simple) or get legal help. Either way, the will should be typed, signed, and easy to understand.

• Sign in front of two witnesses
  These witnesses must see you sign the will and then sign it themselves — while you’re all in the same room. They can’t be beneficiaries.

• Store your will safely
  Keep it somewhere secure and tell your executor where to find it. A locked drawer, safety deposit box, or a lawyer’s office works well.

• Review and update as life changes
  Marriage, kids, divorce, new assets — these all mean it’s time to review your will. Aim to check it every few years.

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What Happens After You’ve Written Your Will?

Finishing your will is a big step — but there are a few more things to wrap up before you call it done.

Here’s what to do next:

• Store it properly
  Your will isn’t much use if no one can find it. Keep it in a secure spot — a locked drawer, safety deposit box, or with your lawyer. Let your executor know where it is.

• Tell the right people
  Your executor should know they’ve been named, what the job involves, and where to find the will. You can also tell trusted family members — just the basics, if you prefer.

• Consider registering your will
  It’s optional in Singapore, but registering it with the Wills Registry can make it easier for your loved ones to track it down later.

• Get a lawyer to review it
  If you wrote the will yourself and you’re not 100% sure it covers everything, a quick legal review helps spot any issues — especially for more complex estates.

• Review it every few years
  Life changes. Your will should change with it. Update it after major events like marriage, divorce, having kids, or buying property.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will in Singapore?

Costs can vary depending on how simple or complex your needs are. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. DIY Will – Affordable and Simple

If your situation is straightforward, you can write your own will using:

• Will kits: Available online, typically between $50 and $100

• Online platforms: These walk you through the process, usually charging $80 to $150

This works best if you’re just naming a few beneficiaries and don’t have tricky instructions or complex assets. But there’s a risk of errors if you’re not familiar with legal terms.

2. Hiring a Lawyer – Safer but Pricier

If you’d rather not leave anything to chance, a lawyer can help ensure your will is legally solid:

• Simple wills: Around $200 to $500

• Complex wills: If you need to include trusts, special arrangements, or foreign property, fees can go into the thousands

It’s also worth considering legal help if you’re self-employed, have dependents with special needs, or expect disputes.

3. Things to Keep in Mind

• Mistakes in DIY wills can cause trouble for your family later

• Complex wishes or big estates usually need legal expertise

• Peace of mind might be worth the extra cost

No matter which route you take, make sure your will is clear, legal, and reflects what you truly want.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills in Singapore

How will my assets be distributed?

If you’ve written a valid will, your assets will be passed on exactly as you’ve directed.

If not, Singapore’s Intestate Succession Act kicks in. That means your estate will be split in fixed portions among your next of kin — which might not match what you would’ve wanted.

Do I need a lawyer to write a will?

Not always. If your estate is simple and straightforward, you can use a will kit or an online service.

But if things are more complex — multiple properties, blended families, overseas assets — it’s safer to get a lawyer involved. They’ll help avoid legal disputes and make sure everything’s done right.

What happens if I don’t have a will?

The government decides how your estate is divided, based on legal formulas.

That could mean some people you care about get left out — or others get more than you’d intended. It also adds delays, extra paperwork, and possibly family conflict.

How often should I update my will?

Review your will every 3 to 5 years, or when big life events happen:

• Marriage or divorce

• Birth of a child

• Death of a beneficiary

• New property or major assets

Wills aren’t one-and-done — they should grow with your life.

What if I get divorced?

Your will doesn’t automatically change. Any gifts or appointments (like naming your ex as executor) are usually void — unless you say otherwise.

So yes, update your will right after a divorce. Don’t leave it to chance.

What if I’m a Muslim?

Muslim estates follow Syariah law, not the standard civil rules.

Your estate will be distributed according to Faraid, which allocates shares to specific heirs. You can still write a wasiat (a Muslim will) for up to one-third of your estate — for people not covered under Faraid — but it must follow Syariah guidelines.

Best to consult an Islamic estate planning expert if this applies to you.

Wrapping Up

Writing a will isn’t just a legal task — it’s a thoughtful step to protect the people and things that matter most.

It ensures your voice is heard, even when you’re not around. That your kids are looked after, your assets go where they should, and your family doesn’t have to navigate unnecessary legal mess.

Whether you choose a DIY approach or go with a professional, what matters is doing it right — and keeping it updated as your life evolves.

If you’re still unsure where to start, don’t worry. You’re not alone in this.

Our trusted estate planning partners can walk you through it, step by step. No pressure, no fees — just friendly, expert guidance.

Fill in the form below to connect with our Estate Planning Advisor who can help you get your will sorted out with confidence.