Will Writing Service

Will Writing & It's Importance

A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s estate should be distributed upon death. It enables the testator, the person writing the will—to name their beneficiaries, appoint executors and trustees, and ensure their wishes are clearly stated and legally recognised.

Without a valid will, your estate may be distributed according to Singapore’s Intestate Succession Act, which may not reflect your personal intentions.

The 5 Types of Wills

MUTUAL WILL

Mutual Wills are two separate but identical wills, commonly used by spouses with reciprocal arrangements. Our experienced team provides you with a comprehensive customised Will that reflects your wishes and safeguards your loved ones' future.

MULTIPLE WILLS

In some cases, individuals hold assets in multiple jurisdictions. Multiple Wills allow for separate wills to be drafted for assets located overseas, enabling a smoother and faster probate process in each respective country.

SIMPLE WILL

A Simple Will is the most straightforward type, typically used to leave your entire estate to a single beneficiary, or to multiple beneficiaries in equal shares. It's ideal for individuals with uncomplicated assets and distribution wishes.

PRIVILEGED WILL

A Privileged Will can be made by soldiers in active military service or mariners at sea, even if they are under the age of 21. These are rare and apply only in specific, exceptional situations.

COMPLEX WILL

A Complex Will is suited for individuals with more intricate family or financial arrangements. These may include provisions for minor children, charitable gifts, or the establishment of trusts for protection and long-term management of assets.

Benefits of Will Writing

clarity and control

A Will gives you control over how your assets are distributed and to whom. This prevents misunderstandings and disputes among loved ones.

Appointing guardians for children

You can name a guardian to care for your children in the event of your passing, ensuring their safety and happiness.

provision for special needs

Parents with special needs children can establish a trust (e.g. through the Special Needs Trust Company) to secure long term financial care.

avoiding administrative delays

With a valid will, the process of administering your estate becomes more straightforward and less costly for family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Need To Make A Will

You must be at least 21 years old and must have the mental capacity to make the LPA. For the LPA to be valid, it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). If you die leaving a will, it can save time and expenses for your family and friends in administering your estate, and you can distribute your assets to the beneficiaries in accordance with your wishes. If you leave no will behind, the estate administration process can get complicated for many reasons. One of them is that there will be a need for some persons to step forward to volunteer and act as the administrators. To carry out that role, there is also a need to provide sureties and an administration bond to ensure the proper administration of the estate.

Where do I register my Will

The Wills Registry, maintained by the Public Trustee, is a secure and confidential registry where individuals (testators) or their legal representatives can record details about the existence and location of a will.

What are different type of gifts in a Will

A will can include various types of gifts, each serving a different purpose in estate planning. The three main types are:

Cash Gift (Pecuniary Legacy): A fixed sum of money left to a beneficiary.
Specific Gift: A particular item or asset, such as a piece of jewellery, a vehicle, or real estate, designated for a specific person.

Residuary Gift: The remainder of the estate after all debts, taxes, and other gifts have been distributed. This is often given as a percentage or the whole of what is left.

What are some limitations of a Will

1. Delays and Opportunity Costs
The probate process can significantly delay asset distribution, creating a financial strain and missed opportunities for your family
2. Loss of Confidentiality
Probate is a public process which could expose details of your estate to the public eye
3. Unnecessary Costs
Legal fees, court costs, and potential estate taxes can erode the value of what’s passed on.
4. Outdated Wills After Major Life Changes
If you've married, divorced, had children, or acquired new assets, your will may no longer reflect your intentions.

What is a Codicil

A codicil is a legal document used to make amendments or additions to an existing will. It allows the testator (the person who made the will) to update or modify specific provisions without the need to create an entirely new will.

Codicils are commonly used when there are changes in family circumstances such as births, deaths, marriages, or changes in financial status

Where should I keep my Will

It is important to store your will in a secure and accessible location. You should also inform your executor of its exact whereabouts, as the original document is required for probate and to carry out the instructions in your will.

Common storage options include a safe deposit box, your attorney's office, asecure location in your home, or with a trusted individual. Whereever you choose to keep it, ensure that your executor will be able to access it promptly when needed.

What is the difference between Will and a Living Trust

The key distinction between a will and a living trust lies in their timing and scope:

A will takes effect only upon your death. It outlines how your entire estate should be distributed and allows you to appoint guardians for minor children and name an executor to carry out your wishes.
A living trust, on the other hand becomes effective during your lifetime. It manages only the specific assets you transfer into the trust and allows for continued management of those assets in the event of incapacity or death.

Is a Will Ambulatory

Yes. A Will is ambulatory, meaning it has no legal effect until the death of the testator (the person who made the will). While the testator is still alive, they retain the full right to amend, update, or revoke the will at any time.

This flexibility allows the testator to reflect changes in personal circumstances, relationships, or wishes regarding the distribution of their estate.