Singapore: Frequently asked questions in estate planning
In Singapore, a person who passes away without a valid Will is said to have died
‘intestate’. This means that Section 7 of the Intestate Succession Act (for non-
Muslims) will apply in determining the beneficiaries and their respective entitlement to the estate.
Why should I have a Will?
The intestacy distribution rules as described above may not adequately address your wishes. With a Will, it allows you to choose who can administer the distribution of your estate, and who your beneficiaries are.
For example:
- You may wish to appoint someone whom you trust to execute your Will, instead of your next-of-kin.
- You may wish to make donations to charitable organisations.
- You may wish to have your assets distributed to someone else, which would otherwise not be beneficiaries to your estate under the Intestate Succession Act (such as unmarried partners, god-children or close friends).
- You may wish to have your assets distributed in the proportions other than in the proportions under the Intestate Succession Act.