A Will is a written document that sets out your wishes and instructions on how your estate (money, property and assets) should be distributed after your death and is governed by the Wills Act 1838 (“WA”) in Singapore. The WA states that a testator may devise, bequeath or dispose of his real or personal estate via a Will i.e. a Will lets you decide who gets what after your death.

A valid Will in Singapore should satisfy the following criteria:

• It must be in writing
• The testator must be at least 21 years of age
• The Will must be signed by the testator at the foot of the Will
• The signing of the Will by the testator must be witnessed by 2 or more witnesses who is also required to sign the will in the presence of the testator
• The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will or spouses of beneficiaries

Most Wills should include the following information/clauses:

• Your identity (i.e. personal particulars and information)
• Your marital status
• The beneficiaries and guardians (up to 2 guardians where beneficiaries are too young, if applicable) and how much each beneficiary should receive
• The executors of the Will (who may also be the beneficiary of the Will)
• A list of all your assets (including foreign assets, if applicable)
• A list of all your liabilities (and how you intend to pay these off before your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries)
• A revocation clause to revoke any previous Will so that the present Will made will supersede and prevail over all previous Wills
• A residuary clause stating how you wish to distribute remaining assets in your estate according to your wishes.