To make a valid will in Singapore, you must be at least 21, the will must be in writing, and you must sign it in the presence of two witnesses who are present at the same time and who then sign it in your presence (sections 4 and 6, Wills Act 1838). At Loh Eben Ong LLP the process has five steps: get a quote, submit your instructions online, our lawyers review them and prepare the will, book an appointment, and sign the will at our office.
Step-by-Step Process
Making a will with Loh Eben Ong LLP is a straightforward process. Follow these five steps to have your will professionally drafted, reviewed, and executed in accordance with Singapore law.
Get a Quote
Use our online will quote form for an estimate. We confirm the fee after reviewing your instructions.
Lawyer Review
Our lawyers review your submission and prepare your will.
Sign at Our Office
Sign your will at our office before two witnesses provided by our office, as section 6 of the Wills Act 1838 requires. You do not need to bring your own witnesses.
What to Prepare Before Making Your Will
To ensure a smooth and efficient will-making process, please have the following information ready before you begin.
- NRIC or passport
- Details of your assets (property, bank accounts, investments, insurance policies, CPF nominations)
- Full names and NRIC numbers of beneficiaries
- Details of your chosen executor(s): full name, NRIC and contact details
- Details of guardians for minor children (if applicable)
- Details of any specific bequests
Requirements for a Valid Will in Singapore
For a will to be legally valid in Singapore, the following requirements must be satisfied under Section 6 of the Wills Act 1838:
- The testator must be at least 21 years old.
- The testator must be of sound mind at the time of making the will.
- The will must be in writing.
- The will must be signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses.
- Both witnesses must sign the will in the presence of the testator.
- Witnesses must not be beneficiaries under the will (or spouses of beneficiaries). If a witness is a beneficiary, the gift to that witness is void, although the will itself remains valid.
Source: Section 6 of the Wills Act 1838
CPF Savings Cannot Be Distributed by Will
CPF savings cannot be distributed by will. CPF savings are distributed according to the CPF nomination made with the CPF Board. If no CPF nomination has been made, CPF savings are distributed under the intestacy laws.
HDB Flat Eligibility Restrictions
If the deceased owned an HDB flat, there may be eligibility restrictions on who can inherit the flat. HDB eligibility rules apply and should be considered when making your will.
After Signing: What to Do With Your Will
Once your will has been signed and witnessed, it is important to store it safely and inform the relevant people of its location.
- Keep the original will in a safe place.
- Inform your executor(s) where the original will is kept.
- Consider storing the original will with your lawyer for safekeeping.
- Avoid keeping the original will in a safe deposit box. Your executors may find the box difficult to access after your death, when they need the will to apply for probate.