How to Write a Will in Singapore (2026): Requirements, Cost & Intestacy

The short version: a valid Singapore will needs a testator who's 21+ and of sound mind, in writing, signed, and witnessed by two witnesses who aren't beneficiaries. Die without one and the Intestate Succession Act decides who inherits — not you. Muslims follow faraid under AMLA instead, not the Intestate Succession Act. A simple will is cheap relative to the mess of intestacy.

Quick answer

A valid will in Singapore: testator 21+ and of sound mind, written and signed, witnessed by 2 witnesses (who must not be beneficiaries or their spouses). No will → the Intestate Succession Act sets fixed family shares. Muslims are governed by faraid (AMLA), not the Intestate Succession Act — see the Faraid Calculator.

What makes a will valid

Four requirements:

1. Age & capacity — the testator must be at least 21 and of sound mind.
2. In writing — Singapore wills are written documents.
3. Signed by the testator.
4. Two witnesses — present at the same time when you sign, and they sign too.

The trap most people don't know: a witness (or their spouse) must not be a beneficiary. If a beneficiary witnesses your will, the gift to them can be void — the rest of the will still stands, but they lose their inheritance. Use independent witnesses.

What happens if you don't have a will

Your estate is distributed under the Intestate Succession Act — a fixed formula based on who survives you. In broad terms:

The downsides of intestacy: you have no say in who gets what (or who raises minor children's inheritance), specific wishes and non-family beneficiaries are ignored, and appointing an administrator can be slower and more contentious than executing a clear will.

The Muslim exception (faraid)

The Intestate Succession Act does not apply to Muslims in Singapore. Muslim estates are generally distributed under faraid (Islamic inheritance law) within the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) framework, which assigns fixed shares to heirs. Muslims can still make a will, but it operates alongside faraid (commonly, up to one-third of the estate may be left to non-faraid beneficiaries). The Faraid Calculator gives indicative faraid shares.

What to put in your will

• Executor — who administers your estate (and a backup). Unlike witnesses, an executor can be a beneficiary.
• Beneficiaries and their shares — who gets what.
• Specific gifts — particular assets to particular people.
• Guardianship — who cares for minor children.
• Residuary clause — who takes anything not specifically mentioned.

Note: CPF savings are not covered by your will — they're distributed via your CPF nomination, so make sure that's up to date separately.

How much it costs

There's no official price, and will-writing isn't restricted to lawyers:

• Simple estates — fixed-fee online/will-writing services are inexpensive.
• Complex estates (multiple properties, business interests, blended families, overseas assets) — engage a lawyer; costs more but worth it to avoid disputes.

Either way, a will costs a fraction of the delay, expense, and family friction that intestacy can create.

Where it fits

A will governs what happens after you pass; a Lasting Power of Attorney covers decisions while you're alive but incapacitated. Together with an up-to-date CPF nomination, they form the core of a Singapore estate plan — most adults with dependants or assets should have all three.

The bottom line

Writing a will is simple and affordable, and it's the only way to keep control over who inherits — otherwise the Intestate Succession Act (or faraid, for Muslims) decides for you. Get the basics right (21+, written, signed, two independent witnesses), name a trusted executor, keep your CPF nomination current, and pair it with an LPA.

General information for Singapore residents, not legal advice. For complex estates, consult a lawyer. Muslims should refer to AMLA / faraid — see the Faraid Calculator.