How Much Does a Will Cost in Singapore?

The cost of making a Will in Singapore varies depending on complexity. A simple Will — covering straightforward distribution of assets to a spouse, children, or parents — typically costs between S$150 and S$400 at a law firm.

More complex Wills that involve trusts, multiple properties, overseas assets, business interests, or blended families can range from S$500 to S$1,500 or more. If you need a testamentary trust (a trust created through your Will), expect to pay on the higher end.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a separate document and usually costs between S$70 and S$600. Many law firms offer Will and LPA bundle packages ranging from S$300 to S$800, which can represent meaningful savings compared to preparing each document individually.

Several factors influence how much you will pay. The number and type of assets is a big one — a person with one HDB flat and a savings account has a simpler Will than someone with multiple properties, investment portfolios, and business interests.

Family structure also matters. If you have dependents with special needs, children from a previous marriage, or beneficiaries who are minors, additional clauses and trust arrangements may be needed. The lawyer will also need more time to advise you on potential complications.

The experience and reputation of the law firm plays a role as well. Boutique firms specialising in estate planning may charge more but offer deeper expertise. Larger firms may charge more due to overhead. Newer firms or legal technology platforms may offer lower prices to attract clients.

Finally, urgency can affect cost. If you need a Will drafted and signed within a day or two, some firms charge a rush fee.

You can write your own Will in Singapore without a lawyer. DIY Will kits are available at bookstores and online for as little as $10 to $50. However, the risks of a DIY Will are significant. A small mistake — such as incorrect witnessing, ambiguous wording, or failing to account for CPF or insurance nominations — can render the Will partially or fully invalid.

If your Will is challenged in court, the legal costs to your family can far exceed what you would have spent on a lawyer. Courts in Singapore have seen cases where poorly drafted Wills led to years of litigation and tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.

For most people, the peace of mind and legal certainty of a professionally drafted Will is worth the cost. If budget is a concern, look for firms that offer fixed-fee simple Wills — many are available for under S$300.

There are several ways to reduce the cost without compromising quality. First, prepare before your appointment. Bring a list of all your assets, their approximate values, your beneficiaries' full names and identification numbers, and your preferred executor. The more prepared you are, the less time the lawyer needs to spend gathering information.

Second, consider bundle packages. If you need both a Will and a LPA, getting them from the same firm in one appointment is almost always cheaper than doing them separately.

Third, look for promotions. Some firms offer discounted rates during certain periods, such as Will-writing month campaigns or partnerships with community organisations. The Law Society of Singapore has also supported affordable Will-writing initiatives in the past.

Finally, keep it simple if your situation allows. A straightforward Will with clear beneficiaries and a trusted executor does not need to be long or complicated.

When a law firm quotes you a fee for a simple Will, it usually includes an initial consultation to understand your needs, the drafting of the Will, a review session where you can request changes, and the final signing and witnessing at the firm's office.

Some firms also include safekeeping of the original Will in their vault or registration with the Singapore Academy of Law's Wills Registry. Others charge separately for storage, typically S$20 to S$50 per year.

Make sure to ask what is included in the quoted fee so there are no surprises. Key questions include whether the fee covers witnessing, whether amendments before signing are included, and whether storage is part of the package.