Will Writing & Estate Planning

In Singapore, many people under 50 still don’t have a will. Conversations about death often feel uncomfortable or “unlucky,” so they’re avoided altogether. But having a will is really about a love letter to your loved ones, it’s about making sure the people you love are cared for, and that your wishes are clearly carried out when the time comes.

Why It’s Important to Make a Will

A will is a legal document that spells out exactly how you’d like your assets to be managed and distributed after your passing. It ensures your estate goes to the right people, not decided by default under Singapore’s Intestate Succession Act.

You can also include personal requests, such as how you’d like your funeral to be arranged, giving your loved ones clarity and peace of mind during a difficult time.

It’s a good idea to appoint more than one executor to carry out your will so they can support each other, or step in if one is unable to act.

While there’s no central storage for wills in Singapore, you can register your will details with the Wills Registry to make it easier for your loved ones to locate it later.

Grant of Probate

If you’ve made a will, your executor will need to apply for a Grant of Probate after your passing. This is the court’s formal approval for your executor(s) to manage and distribute your estate according to your wishes. With this, they can close bank accounts, transfer assets, and ensure your beneficiaries receive what you’ve left for them.

Letters of Administration

If there’s no valid will, the process becomes more complex, time-consuming and expensive. Your family must first decide on someone to act as the administrator - often your spouse or next-of-kin, and that person must apply for Letters of Administration from the Court. Only then can your estate be distributed under the Intestate Succession Act, which may not reflect your true intentions.

In Singapore, the cost of applying for a Grant of Letters of Administration varies depending on the complexity of your estate.

• For straightforward cases (e.g. a single property or bank account), legal fees typically start from around S$1,000–S$2,500 nett.

• For larger or more complex estates involving multiple beneficiaries, minors, or overseas assets, fees can range from S$3,500–S$6,500 or more.

You may also need to account for minor court filing fees (usually under S$100).

While every situation is different, having a valid will in place can help your loved ones avoid this additional stress, time, and cost.