You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to create a legally valid will in Singapore. Several reputable free options exist, from bank-sponsored platforms to community legal clinics. This guide covers every free will-writing option available, their limitations, and how to decide if free is right for your situation.
Free Will Writing Options in Singapore
1. OCBC Online Will Generator
One of the most well-known free options in Singapore.
What It Offers
- Cost: Completely free
- Platform: Online, DIY
- Availability: Open to all Singapore residents (not just OCBC customers)
- Format: Guided questionnaire that generates a will document
Process
- Visit the OCBC will generator website
- Answer questions about your assets, beneficiaries, and wishes
- The system generates a will document
- Download, print, and sign with two witnesses
- Store safely
Limitations
- Basic templates only - limited customization
- No legal advice included
- May not handle complex situations well
- You must understand legal requirements for valid execution
- No safekeeping service
Best For
Simple estates with straightforward distribution wishes. Those who are comfortable with DIY and understand the basics of will execution.
2. MoneyOwl Free Will
A more modern platform with additional features.
What It Offers
- Cost: Free (basic will)
- Platform: Online, user-friendly interface
- Additional: Integrates with financial planning tools
- Storage: Digital copy stored on platform
Process
- Create an account on MoneyOwl
- Complete the will questionnaire
- Review the generated document
- Download, print, sign with witnesses
- Option to store digital copy on platform
Limitations
- Basic will structure - complex needs require paid upgrade
- No legal consultation
- Must still arrange own witnesses and execution
Best For
Younger Singaporeans with simple estates who appreciate a modern digital experience. Good for those who want to integrate will planning with broader financial planning.
3. Community Legal Clinics
Face-to-face help from volunteer lawyers.
What They Offer
- Cost: Free
- Service: In-person consultation with a volunteer lawyer
- Availability: Various locations across Singapore
- Eligibility: Typically for lower-income residents or specific groups (seniors, etc.)
Types of Legal Clinics
- Law Society Pro Bono Services: Regular clinics at community centres
- Community Development Council clinics: Various CDC locations
- Community Justice Centre: State Courts building
- Specific organization clinics: AWARE, LBSA, various religious organizations
How to Access
- Check eligibility (often means-tested for income)
- Register for an appointment (often through Community Centre or CDC)
- Attend consultation with volunteer lawyer
- The lawyer provides advice and may help draft a will
- You handle execution and storage
Limitations
- May need to qualify based on income
- Limited appointment slots - wait times can be long
- Volunteer lawyers may have varying experience with wills
- Typically one consultation - complex cases may need referral
- No follow-up support
Best For
Lower-income Singaporeans who need some guidance but cannot afford a lawyer. Those who prefer face-to-face interaction over online platforms.
4. Public Trustee's Office
Government service with will-related assistance.
What They Offer
- Will drafting: The Public Trustee can prepare simple wills
- Cost: Subsidized rates, sometimes free for eligible individuals
- Trustee services: Can act as executor or trustee
Limitations
- Basic wills only
- Limited capacity - not always available
- May have restrictions on who can use the service
5. Senior-Specific Programs
Various organizations offer free or subsidized will-writing for seniors.
Options Include
- Agency for Integrated Care (AIC): Sometimes offers will-writing workshops for seniors
- Silver Generation Office: Can refer to appropriate services
- Religious organizations: Many churches, temples, and mosques offer estate planning help for members
- Community clubs: Occasional free will-writing events
How to Find Them
- Check with your local Community Club or Residents' Committee
- Ask at Senior Activity Centres
- Contact religious organizations you're affiliated with
- Check CDC websites for upcoming events
Comparing Free Options
| Option | Format | Legal Advice | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCBC Will Generator | Online DIY | No | Simple estates, DIY-comfortable |
| MoneyOwl | Online DIY | No | Younger users, tech-savvy |
| Legal Clinics | In-person | Yes (limited) | Lower-income, need guidance |
| Senior Programs | Varies | Sometimes | Seniors 60+ |
When Free Will Services Are Sufficient
Free options work well when your situation is straightforward:
Good Candidates for Free Services
- Simple asset structure: Bank accounts, CPF, maybe one HDB flat owned jointly with spouse
- Straightforward distribution: Everything to spouse, or equally to children
- No minor children: Or if you do, guardian appointment is straightforward
- No business interests: No company shares, partnerships, or sole proprietorship
- No overseas assets: Everything is in Singapore
- Simple family structure: No blended families, estranged relatives, or complex dynamics
- No special needs beneficiaries: All beneficiaries are capable adults
Example: Ideal Free Will Candidate
Mr. Lim is 55, married with two adult children. He has:
- HDB flat (joint tenancy with wife)
- DBS savings account
- CPF savings
- Small investment portfolio
He wants: Wife to inherit everything if he dies first; if wife has predeceased, split equally between children.
Verdict: Perfect for a free online will generator. Straightforward situation, standard distribution, no complications.
When You Should Pay for Professional Help
Free options have limitations. Consider paying for a lawyer if:
Property Complexity
- Multiple properties
- Property owned as tenants-in-common (not joint tenancy)
- Overseas property
- Commercial or investment property
Family Complexity
- Children from multiple marriages
- Stepchildren you want to provide for
- Estranged family members you want to exclude
- Dependents with special needs
- Potential for family disputes
Business Interests
- Shares in private companies
- Partnership interests
- Sole proprietorship assets
- Business succession concerns
Complex Wishes
- Setting up trusts for minor children
- Conditional gifts (e.g., "if she graduates from university")
- Charitable donations with specific terms
- Staged distributions (e.g., 1/3 at 25, 1/3 at 30, 1/3 at 35)
The Real Cost of Mistakes
A poorly drafted will can cost your family far more than what you saved by using a free service. Ambiguous language, invalid execution, or missed considerations can lead to court disputes costing tens of thousands of dollars - and years of stress. If your situation is at all complex, the $300-$600 for a simple lawyer-drafted will is money well spent.
Tips for Using Free Will Services
Before You Start
- List your assets: Bank accounts, properties, investments, insurance, CPF
- Decide on beneficiaries: Who gets what, in what proportions
- Choose your executor: Who will administer your estate
- For parents: Decide on guardian for minor children
- Gather information: Full names and NRIC numbers for all parties
During the Process
- Answer all questions carefully and accurately
- Read the generated document thoroughly before printing
- Make sure you understand what each clause means
- Check that names and details are spelled correctly
Execution (Signing)
Even with a free will, execution must follow legal requirements:
- Sign at the bottom of every page
- Have two witnesses present when you sign
- Witnesses must be 21+, of sound mind
- Witnesses must NOT be beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries
- Both witnesses sign immediately after you, in your presence
After Completion
- Store safely: Fire-proof safe at home, or deposit with lawyer/bank
- Tell your executor: Where the will is kept
- Don't forget CPF: Make a separate CPF nomination at cpf.gov.sg
- Review regularly: Update after major life changes
Common Mistakes with Free Wills
1. Invalid Execution
The most common problem. If witnesses aren't present, or beneficiaries witness, the will may be invalid. With paid services, lawyers ensure proper execution.
2. Ambiguous Language
Free templates use generic language that may not precisely capture your wishes. "My jewelry to my daughters" could cause disputes - which jewelry? Which daughters? In what proportions?
3. Missing Assets
Online forms may not prompt you for all asset types. Forgetting about insurance policies, overseas accounts, or digital assets can create gaps.
4. Forgetting About CPF
CPF is not covered by your will. Many people complete a free will and assume they're done - then their CPF is distributed according to intestate rules.
5. Not Reviewing Regularly
Free services don't remind you to update. Your will should be reviewed every 3-5 years and after any major life event.
Making the Decision
Use Free Services If:
- Your situation is genuinely simple
- You're comfortable with DIY legal documents
- You understand the execution requirements
- You're willing to take responsibility for any errors
Pay for a Lawyer If:
- Any complexity exists in your situation
- You're unsure whether free is appropriate
- You want professional assurance
- Your family would face significant hardship from a problematic will
Remember: Having any will is better than no will. If cost is a genuine barrier, a free will is infinitely better than dying intestate. But if you can afford professional help and your situation warrants it, the investment protects your family when they need it most.