Free Will Template Singapore
Everything you need to understand will writing in Singapore. Learn the legal requirements, see sample clauses, and decide if DIY is right for you.
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A will doesn't need to be complex. Even a handwritten will is legal if properly executed.
Legal Requirements
Singapore's Wills Act sets clear rules. Follow them precisely for a valid will.
Know Your Limits
DIY works for simple estates. Complex situations need professional help.
Important: Before You Start
This guide is for educational purposes. While you can legally write your own will in Singapore, mistakes can be costly - an invalid will means your estate is distributed according to intestacy laws, not your wishes.
Consider professional help if: You have multiple properties, business interests, overseas assets, blended family situations, or an estate over $500,000. The cost of a lawyer ($300-$600) is small compared to potential problems.
Legal Requirements for a Valid Will
Under Singapore's Wills Act (Cap. 352), your will must meet these requirements to be legally valid. Missing any of these will invalidate your entire will.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 21 years old. Exception: Those under 21 can make a will if they are or have been married, or are in military service.
Mental Capacity
You must be of sound mind - understanding what a will is, what you own, and who might have claims on your estate. If there's any doubt, get a medical assessment.
Written Form
The will must be in writing - typed or handwritten. Oral wills and video recordings are not valid in Singapore.
Signature
You must sign at the foot or end of the will. If you cannot sign, you can make a mark or have someone sign on your behalf in your presence.
Two Witnesses
Two witnesses must be present when you sign. They watch you sign, then sign themselves in your presence and each other's presence. Witnesses must be 21+ and of sound mind.
Witness Restrictions
Critical: Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries. If they are, they lose their inheritance. The will remains valid but that gift fails.
What to Include in Your Will
A basic will contains these essential sections. Each serves a specific legal purpose.
1. Introduction & Revocation Clause
State your full name, NRIC, and address. Declare that this is your last will and revoke all previous wills.
I, [FULL NAME] (NRIC: [NUMBER]), of [ADDRESS], declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, and I hereby revoke all former wills and testamentary dispositions made by me.
2. Executor Appointment
Name who will administer your estate. Choose someone trustworthy and capable. Consider a backup executor in case the first cannot serve.
I appoint [NAME] (NRIC: [NUMBER]) of [ADDRESS] as the Executor of this Will. If [he/she] is unable or unwilling to act, I appoint [ALTERNATE NAME] (NRIC: [NUMBER]) as the alternate Executor.
3. Specific Gifts
List specific items or amounts you want to give to specific people. Be precise about both the asset and the recipient.
I give my property at [ADDRESS] to [NAME] (NRIC: [NUMBER]).
I give the sum of $[AMOUNT] to [NAME] (NRIC: [NUMBER]).
4. Guardian Appointment (If You Have Minor Children)
Name who should care for your children if both parents die. The court has final say but will consider your wishes seriously.
I appoint [NAME] (NRIC: [NUMBER]) of [ADDRESS] as the guardian of my minor children in the event that I and their other parent are both deceased.
5. Residuary Clause
State what happens to everything not specifically mentioned. This catches assets you forgot, assets acquired after making the will, and failed gifts.
I give all the rest and residue of my estate to [NAME] (NRIC: [NUMBER]). If [he/she] predeceases me, I give my residuary estate to [ALTERNATE NAME(S)] in equal shares.
6. Attestation Clause & Signatures
The formal ending where you and your witnesses sign. This confirms proper execution.
Signed by the Testator in our presence and then by us in [his/her] presence and in the presence of each other.
_________________________ [Your Signature]
Date: _________________
Witness 1:
Signature: _________________
Name: _________________
NRIC: _________________
Address: _________________
Witness 2:
Signature: _________________
Name: _________________
NRIC: _________________
Address: _________________
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
Beneficiary as Witness
The #1 mistake. If your spouse witnesses your will, they cannot inherit under it. Choose independent witnesses - colleagues, neighbours, or friends who aren't receiving anything.
Vague Descriptions
"My house" isn't specific enough. Use the full address. "My son John" - which John if you have nephews named John? Include NRIC numbers to avoid any confusion.
Forgetting Assets
CPF savings are NOT covered by your will - you need a separate CPF nomination. Insurance policies with named beneficiaries also pass outside the will. Joint property goes to the surviving owner.
No Residuary Clause
Without this, anything not specifically mentioned is distributed under intestacy laws - potentially not to the people you want.
Alterations After Signing
Never cross out or write on a signed will. Any changes must be witnessed the same way as the original, or you should make a new will or a codicil.
When DIY Works vs. When to Get Help
DIY May Be Suitable If:
- Simple distribution (everything to spouse, or equally to children)
- One property or no property
- No business interests
- All assets in Singapore
- No special needs beneficiaries
Get Professional Help If:
- →Multiple properties or overseas assets
- →Business interests or company shares
- →Blended family situations
- →Want to set up trusts for children
- →Beneficiaries with special needs
- →Estate over $500,000
After Writing Your Will
Execute Properly
Sign in the presence of two witnesses. They must watch you sign, then sign themselves while you and the other witness watch. All three should be present throughout.
Store Safely
Keep the original in a fireproof safe, safe deposit box, or with a lawyer. Never staple or punch holes through it (courts may think pages were removed).
Tell Your Executor
Your executor needs to know the will exists and where to find it. Consider also telling family members or your lawyer.
Make CPF Nomination
Visit cpf.gov.sg to nominate beneficiaries for your CPF savings. This is separate from your will and takes about 10 minutes. It's free.
Review Periodically
Update your will after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth of children, property purchase, or significant changes in relationships or assets.
Want Professional Guidance?
If you're unsure whether DIY is right for your situation, get a professional assessment. Online will services start from $89, law firms from $300.
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