Will lawyers for making a will in Singapore

Lawyers answer key questions about making a will in Singapore

Who will take care of the kids if one or even both of us pass away? And, who gets the house, or the money we have in the bank? It’s important to think about these kinds of questions when making a will in Singapore. Getting a good will lawyer will help you. Here are a few places to get in touch for will writing.

#1 Phoenix Wills

Why do I need a will for assets in multiple countries?

For many expats living in Singapore, it’s common to have assets, family ties or investments spread across more than one country. While a single will covering everything may seem simpler, this approach can create significant delays and complications for your loved ones.

Each country has its own legal system, probate process and inheritance rules. A single worldwide will usually must go through probate in one jurisdiction first before being recognised in another. This can be a slow and costly process, particularly where legal systems differ or additional documentation is required. In some cases, this can delay access to assets for months or even years.

By contrast, making separate wills tailored to each jurisdiction ensures your estate can be administered more efficiently. Local wills drafted in accordance with the laws of each country are more likely to be recognised quickly and can proceed through probate simultaneously. Will writing this way can significantly reduce delays, minimise administrative burdens, and help ensure your beneficiaries receive their inheritance sooner.

There are also important considerations regarding tax, forced heirship rules and how assets are classified in different countries. A carefully coordinated multi-jurisdictional will structure can help mitigate risks and avoid unintended consequences.

Phoenix Wills recommends that you have separate wills in place for each country where you have significant assets. As a minimum, have a will for your country of domicile or origin, and one for your country of residence, if they differ. With separate wills, each can go through local probate simultaneously, saving time and money in the end.

– Lucy d’Ambrumenil, Director, Phoenix Wills

Phoenix Wills
Levels 6-8 Afro-Asia, 63 Robinson Road
8669 6345 | phoenix-wills.com

#2 LP Law Corporation in Singapore

What happens in Singapore when a foreign will is presented?

For many locals and expats living in Singapore, assets are often spread across more than one country. It may range from property in their home country to overseas investments or business interests. Many also get will lawyers to prepare a will before relocating to Singapore. When an estate is to be administered, a practical question then arises: is the foreign will valid in Singapore?

A common assumption is that making a will for foreign assets means the process becomes straightforward. However, this is often also where issues are discovered. When assets are held in Singapore, local legal processes may still apply regardless of whether a will was prepared.

For executors, one complexity that becomes most apparent involves the resealing of a Grant of Probate in Singapore. This refers to a Foreign Grant of Probate that’s recognised by the Singapore Courts so that local assets can be dealt with. This is only open to Foreign Grants issued in Commonwealth countries or Hong Kong. In other situations, where resealing of the Grant of Probate is not available, a fresh application for a Grant of Probate can be made in Singapore.

This means that separate legal steps are still required in Singapore before assets can be accessed or transferred. Executors often have to manage these requirements alongside arrangements in other jurisdictions, while ensuring that local procedures are properly followed.

Where no valid will is in place, the position becomes more uncertain when a question of domicile arises. In such cases, assets are distributed according to the intestacy laws of Singapore or the home country, rather than personal intentions.

Understanding these steps early can make the will writing process significantly clearer for those responsible for carrying out the estate.

– Timothy Wu, Director, LP Law Corporation  

LP Law Corporation, Advocates & Solicitors
#19-06 Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Road
6970 4184 | lplaw.com.sg

This feature on making a will in Singapore with will lawyers does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any matter discussed. Accordingly, it should not be relied upon for will writing, as each case is fact-specific. For more helpful tips, head to our Living in Singapore section. And don’t miss our expat’s guide to where to live in Singapore!