Step-by-Step: How to Make a Will in Singapore

The first step in making a Will is to take stock of everything you own. This includes bank accounts, CPF savings, insurance policies, property, shares, unit trusts, vehicles, jewellery, art, and any other valuables. Do not forget digital assets such as cryptocurrency or online accounts with monetary value.

Also list your liabilities — outstanding mortgage loans, car loans, credit card debts, and any personal loans. Your executor will need to settle these from your estate before distributing assets to your beneficiaries.

For each asset, note down key details: the institution or location, approximate value, and how it is held (sole ownership, joint tenancy, or tenancy-in-common). This exercise often reveals gaps in your planning — for example, a CPF nomination you forgot to make, or an old insurance policy with an outdated beneficiary. Taking inventory now saves time and money at the lawyer's office later.

Your executor is the person who will carry out the instructions in your Will. Choose someone you trust who is organised, responsible, and ideally younger than you. They do not need to be a lawyer — a family member or close friend can serve as executor. You can also appoint a professional executor, such as a trust company, though this comes with ongoing fees.

It is wise to name an alternate executor in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act when the time comes. Discuss your plans with your chosen executor beforehand so they know what to expect and where to find your Will.

Next, decide on your beneficiaries and how you want your assets distributed. You can leave specific assets to specific people, divide your estate into percentage shares, or use a combination of both. Consider backup beneficiaries for each gift in case a primary beneficiary passes away before you. If you have minor children, this is also the time to decide who you want as their guardian.

You have several options for drafting your Will. The most reliable is to engage a lawyer who specialises in wills and estate planning. A lawyer ensures your Will is legally valid, clearly worded, and accounts for issues you might not have considered — such as CPF nominations, joint tenancy, or the effect of marriage and divorce on your Will.

Alternatively, you can use a will-writing service or an online platform. These are typically cheaper but may not provide legal advice. They work best for very straightforward situations with few assets and clear beneficiaries.

A third option is a DIY Will kit, available at bookstores and online for a modest price. While this is the cheapest route, the risk of errors is highest. Common mistakes include incorrect witnessing, ambiguous language, and failing to include a residuary clause (which covers any assets not specifically mentioned). If you go the DIY route, take extra care to follow the instructions precisely and consider having a lawyer review the final document.

Before signing, read through your Will carefully. Make sure every name is spelled correctly, every asset is accounted for, and the distribution matches your intentions. If anything is unclear or incorrect, ask your lawyer or drafter to revise it before you proceed.

When you are satisfied, the signing must follow the legal requirements under the Wills Act. You must sign the Will in the presence of two witnesses, and both witnesses must sign in your presence. The witnesses must be at least 21 years old and should not be beneficiaries or the spouses of beneficiaries under the Will.

If you are signing at a law firm, the firm typically provides witnesses — often two members of their staff. If you are signing elsewhere, choose witnesses who are independent and reliable. The signing process itself takes only a few minutes, but getting it right is critical to the validity of your Will.

Once signed, your original Will must be stored safely. Many law firms offer to keep the original Will in their vault, either included in their fee or for a small annual charge. You can also store it in a safe deposit box, a fireproof safe at home, or with a trusted person.

Wherever you store it, make sure your executor knows the location. A Will is useless if no one can find it. Give your executor a copy and let close family members know that a Will exists and where it is kept.

You should also consider registering your Will with the Singapore Academy of Law's Wills Registry. Registration does not store the Will itself — it records information about the Will, including who made it, when it was made, and where it is kept. After your passing, your family or lawyer can search the Wills Registry to locate your Will. The registration fee is modest and provides an extra layer of security. Or you can record information about the Will in My Legacy vault as well.

Remember that making a Will is not a one-time event. Review your Will whenever your circumstances change — after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in your assets. A Will that reflects your current wishes is the greatest gift you can leave your family.