PKWA Law Participates in Ministry of Law Dialogue on “Getting Family Justice Right”
Photo: Minister Edwin Tong / Ministry of Law Singapore
2 August…

A Will is one of the most important documents you can make to protect your wishes and your loved ones. For over 30 years, as one of Singapore’s most established wills and probate law firms, PKWA Law has helped countless families plan for the future with clear legal advice and professionally drafted wills carefully tailored to their personal circumstances.
✓ Most Recommended – Among Singapore’s most recommended law firms, and named by The Straits Times as one of Singapore’s Best Family Law Firms (2021–2026).
✓ Fixed Fees from $790 – Clear and transparent pricing.
✓ Two Independent Witnesses Provided – At no additional cost.
✓ All Done Together – Your Will, LPA and CPF Nomination handled together for a more complete estate plan. No additional charge for assistance with your CPF nomination.
✓ Lawyer-Led Service – Prepared by a lawyer. Reviewed by a lawyer. Backed by an established law firm.
✓ Over 30 Years of Experience – Drafting Wills for families across Singapore.
✓ Free Initial Consultation – We do not charge for your first consultation.
With over 4,000 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating across our legal services, PKWA Law is one of Singapore’s most highly recommended law firms.
A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. It is worth knowing who you are trusting to prepare it.
In Singapore, Will-writing is sometimes offered at low cost. In many cases these services are provided by insurance agents or financial advisers, for whom the Will is part of a wider financial planning relationship.
PKWA Law is a law firm, and our role is purely legal. We do not market insurance or financial products. When you engage us, you are paying for legal advice and a Will prepared by a lawyer.
Your Will is personally prepared by a practising Singapore lawyer, with the confidentiality, legal accountability and lawyer-client protection that come with engaging a regulated law firm.
Our fees are fixed and transparent, with no hidden charges. Your Will, LPA, and CPF Nomination are completed together, with two independent witnesses provided at no extra cost.
Our fees below apply to straightforward wills with assets up to $5 million.
Husband & Wife mirror wills – 10% off second will (same day appointment).
Just Need a LPA
LPA
$300
.
✓ LPA Form 1 (standard powers).
✓ Prepared and certified by a PKWA lawyer.
Just Need a Will
Personal Will
$790
.
✓ Prepared and witnessed by a PKWA lawyer.
✓ Includes Will and CPF Nomination – completed together.
✓ Two independent witnesses provided.
Most Popular Package
Will & LPA Package
$890
$1090 (Save $200)
✓ Our most popular package.
✓ Prepared and witnessed by a PKWA lawyer.
✓ Includes Will, LPA and CPF Nomination – completed together.
✓ Two independent witnesses provided.
Protecting Your Children
Will Trust + LPA
$1,090
.
✓ Our full package, including a Will Trust (also known as a Testamentary Trust) for your minor children, to hold their inheritance until an age of your choice.
✓ Includes Will Trust, LPA and CPF Nomination – completed together.
✓ Prepared, witnessed & certified by a PKWA lawyer.
✓ Two independent witnesses provided.
Writing a Will involves choices most people have not fully thought through: what happens if a beneficiary dies before you, who cares for minor children, how to deal with a jointly held HDB flat, or how to provide for a partner you are not legally married to.
These are not questions an online form can properly ask. They usually only surface through a proper meeting – which is why every Will at PKWA begins with a meeting before anything is signed.
With over 30 years of experience drafting wills for families across Singapore, we have seen the situations that quietly trip people up. The meeting is where we make sure your Will is carefully thought out and properly prepared.
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In Singapore, wills are governed primarily by the Wills Act and related legislation. To be legally valid, a will must meet specific formal requirements.
A valid will must generally:
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the will being declared invalid, causing the estate to be distributed under intestacy rules.
By planning early, you retain control over your legacy and provide clarity for your family during a difficult time.
A properly prepared will allows you to:
A properly drafted will ensures that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. It gives you control over how your assets are distributed, who manages your estate, and who cares for your children.
Without a valid will, your estate is treated as “intestate” under Singapore law. Instead of applying for a Grant of Probate, your family must apply for Letters of Administration to manage and distribute your estate.
Your assets will then be distributed according to Singapore’s intestacy rules under the Intestate Succession Act, rather than according to your personal wishes.
This may not reflect your intentions and can sometimes lead to disputes, delays, and additional legal costs. Making a Will helps ensure your estate is distributed in the way you intend.
See the table below for how assets are distributed under the intestacy rules.
| Survivor(s) | Absent/deceased | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Children and parents | Spouse receives everything |
| Spouse and children | Spouse and children in equal shares | |
| Children | Spouse | Children receives everything in equal shares. Grandchildren may claim their parent’s share in equal shares if their parent is deceased |
| Spouse and parents | Children | Spouse and parents in equal shares |
| Parents | Spouse and children | Parents receive all in equal shares |
| Siblings | Spouse, children, and parents | Siblings receive in equal shares. Their children may claim their parent’s share in equal shares if they are deceased |
| Grandparents | Spouse, children, parents, siblings, and your sibling’s children | Grandparents receive in equal shares |
| Uncles and aunts | Spouse, children, parents, siblings, your sibling’s children, and grandparents | Uncles and aunts receive in equal shares |
| No survivors | All family members | Government receives everything |
Property ownership structures can affect how assets are distributed after death. In some cases, property may pass automatically to a surviving owner, while in others, it forms part of the estate and is distributed under a Will.
A properly drafted Will helps ensure your intentions are carried out clearly, reduces uncertainty for your family, and avoids unnecessary disputes or delays.
Most people assume their Will covers everything they own. In Singapore, it often does not.
CPF savings pass according to your CPF nomination, not your Will. Insurance policies follow their own nominations. Jointly held property may pass automatically to the surviving owner. Foreign assets may be governed by the inheritance laws of another country, which can mean a separate Will is needed.
A Will drafted without understanding how these pieces fit together can leave your family with gaps you never intended.
As part of our Will writing service, we guide you on how your Will works alongside your CPF nomination, insurance nominations and other assets, so that your overall estate plan holds together. To make the process seamless, we also provide the two required independent witnesses at our office.
If you are considering writing your Will, we offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your options and next steps.
Contact us today and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Make Your Wishes Clear
Start Your Will
PKWA Law is an established law firm with over 30 years of history, and a team of more than 100 legal and support professionals.
Our fees are fixed, clear and transparent, so you can have certainty and peace of mind.
Over 4,000 Google Reviews (4.9★) across pkwalaw.com and on our family law resource portal, singaporefamilylawyers.com.sg.
Our lawyers are recognised as leading family lawyers by The Straits Times, the Law Society, Asian Legal Business, and other respected organisations and publications.
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High Court and Court of Appeal
What makes a Will valid in Singapore?
A Will is valid under the Wills Act if it is:
This formal structure is critical to ensure the Will’s legal standing.
Can I rely on handwritten instructions or verbal wishes instead of a formal Will?
No. Only properly executed Wills (see above) are legally upheld. Handwritten or oral wishes are not enforceable and risk resulting in intestacy – where the Intestate Succession Act determines distribution in ways you may not have intended.
Do CPF savings form part of my estate and get distributed via my Will?
No. CPF savings do not form part of your estate and cannot be governed by a Will. To distribute CPF savings according to your wishes, you must make a valid CPF nomination. Otherwise, un-nominated CPF monies go to the Public Trustee’s Office for distribution via intestacy laws.
What are the rules for intestate succession if someone dies without a Will?
If there is no Will, your estate will be distributed by the court under the Intestate Succession Act (for non-Muslims). The rules follow a strict hierarchy: spouse, children, parents, siblings, then more distant relatives, down to uncles/aunts. If no heirs can be found, the estate goes to the government.
Can my CPF nominations be included in estate planning?
Yes. A CPF nomination ensures your CPF savings go directly to your chosen beneficiaries. If there is a valid nomination, CPF Board will pay directly to the nominees.
How do CPF savings get distributed if I haven’t made a nomination?
If there’s no CPF nomination, the CPF Board transfers the savings to the Public Trustee’s Office (PTO). The PTO distributes the monies in line with the Intestate Succession Act or Muslim inheritance laws. Processing typically takes a few weeks, and administrative fees may apply.
Should I have separate Wills for assets located overseas?
Yes. Making one Will per jurisdiction is advisable. This helps avoid conflicts and ensures local Probate laws apply cleanly. Each Will should only cover assets in that specific country, avoiding unintended invalidation of other Wills.
Can I appoint guardians for minor children in my Will?
Absolutely. Your Will offers the opportunity to nominate a testamentary guardian for children under 21. This is crucial to ensure someone you trust is legally appointed to care for them in the event of your passing.
Can my ex-spouse still benefit under my Will after a divorce?
Yes – your Will remains valid unless revoked. If your ex-spouse is named as a beneficiary or executor, they may still receive benefits unless you specifically update your Will. Always review your Will after significant life events (like divorce or marriage).
Can my Will be contested after my death?
Yes. If there are doubts about your capacity or concerns of undue influence, beneficiaries may challenge the Will in court. Proper drafting, clarity, and independent execution greatly reduce the risk of disputes. Executors should keep evidence of your intentions and deliberation process.
Probate: What happens to CPF money that were used to buy property when someone dies?
CPF for Property (HDB Flats & Private Homes)
When CPF funds are used to pay for a property, the amount and its accrued interest do not need to be returned to the deceased’s CPF account. This is a crucial point that helps protect surviving family members.
Summary: On death, if CPF money was used for property purchase, there is no refund back to CPF. Instead, the property (or its sale proceeds) is distributed under the will (if there is one) or the intestacy rules, and you will need to obtain a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration.
Other important points:
DIY Wills in Singapore: What are the Risks of Writing Your Own Will?
Frequently Asked Questions: DIY Wills in Singapore
1. Can I write my own will in Singapore?
Yes, you can. The law does not require a lawyer to draft a will. However, the will must follow strict legal requirements before the court will accept it as valid.
2. What can make a DIY will invalid?
The most common issues are mistakes in signing and witnessing. If the will is not signed correctly, or if the witnesses are not eligible, the will may be rejected entirely – meaning your estate may be distributed as if you had no will at all.
3. Who can serve as witnesses to my will?
You need two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries of your will – and are not married to any beneficiary. If a beneficiary or their spouse signs as a witness, that person may lose their inheritance under the will.
4. Does a will cover all my assets?
No. Certain assets, such as CPF savings, do not fall under your will and must be handled separately using CPF nomination. People with DIY wills often overlook this, which can leave funds unaccounted for.
5. What are the risks of unclear wording in a DIY will?
Ambiguous clauses can trigger disputes among family members. If the court cannot interpret your true intentions, parts of your will may be set aside, or the estate may face delays and legal challenges – increasing costs for your loved ones.
6. What if I make a mistake in my will?
Errors might only be discovered after your death, when it is too late to fix them. A poorly drafted will can result in unintended beneficiaries, unequal distribution, or even a full intestacy situation.
7. When should I seek a lawyer’s help?
It is strongly recommended to consult a lawyer if you:
Why choose a lawyer to write your Will?
Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out after your death. While DIY or online will-writing services may seem convenient, they may lack the safeguards needed to make your will valid and enforceable. A poorly drafted will can cause disputes, delays, and even costly litigation for your loved ones.
At PKWA Law, our wills lawyers have over 30 years of experience helping Singaporeans and Singapore residents prepare wills and plan for their families’ futures. We ensure your will is drafted correctly, comprehensive, and customised to your unique circumstances.
By choosing an experienced lawyer, you gain peace of mind that your will is valid, comprehensive, and tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.
As a regulated law practice under the Law Society of Singapore, we are bound by strict professional standards. We must act in your best interests, keep our legal knowledge current, and carry professional indemnity insurance – giving you added protection and assurance.
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Will
Will-writing services in Singapore are offered through a range of providers. Some are financial advisers who include Will-writing as part of a broader financial planning relationship, often alongside insurance or investment products. Others are online platforms that generate Wills from standardised forms, without personalised advice from a practising lawyer.
PKWA Law is a regulated Singapore law firm. We do not sell insurance or financial products. Our role is purely legal. Every Will we prepare is personally drafted by a practising lawyer, with the confidentiality, legal accountability, and lawyer-client protections that come with engaging a law firm rather than a financial or technology intermediary.
For this reason, some clients may prefer having their Will prepared by a law firm. When a lawyer drafts your Will, the lawyer’s role is purely to prepare your Will tailored to your circumstances.
What is a Will?
A will (sometimes called a “last will and testament”) is a legal document that sets out how you wish your estate to be distributed after your death.
It covers everything you own – including money, property, possessions, and even pets – and ensures your assets are passed on to the people or organisations you choose.
A will is essential not only to provide financial security for your family, but also to give you control over how your assets are distributed. For example, you may wish to structure access to funds so that loved ones receive support responsibly, without the risk of spending everything at once.
A will also allows you to:
Requirements of a Valid Will in Singapore
For your will to be legally valid under the Wills Act (Cap. 352), these conditions must be met:
Failing to meet these requirements could invalidate your will. In that case, your estate will be distributed under the Intestate Succession Act, not according to your wishes.
What happens if a Will is invalid?
Here are some of the potential problems if your will is not drafted correctly:
Intestacy Rules:
Under Singapore’s Intestate Succession Act, if you die without a valid will, your estate is distributed as follows:
What are PKWA Law’s fees for Will Writing and LPA?
Just Need a LPA – Your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
✓ $300
✓ Prepared and certified by a PKWA lawyer.
Just Need a Will – Your Personal Will
✓ $790
✓ Prepared and witnessed by a PKWA lawyer.
✓ Includes Will and CPF Nomination – completed together.
✓ Two independent witnesses provided.
Most Popular Package – Will + LPA Package
✓ $890 (Usual $1,090. Save $200)
✓ Our most popular package.
✓ Prepared and witnessed by a PKWA lawyer.
✓ Includes Will, LPA and CPF Nomination – completed together.
✓ Two independent witnesses provided.
Protecting Your Children – Will + LPA + Trust
✓ $1,090
✓ Our full package, with a will trust for your minor children. Testamentary trust to hold your children’s inheritance until a chosen age.
✓ Includes Will, Will Trust, LPA and CPF Nomination – completed together.
✓ Prepared, witnessed & certified by a PKWA lawyer.
✓ Two independent witnesses provided.
Above fees apply to straightforward estates with assets up to $5 million.
Husband & Wife mirror wills – 10% off second will (same day appointment).
What is a Will Trust?
A will trust (also called a testamentary trust) is not a separate document or a standalone trust fund. It is simply a provision written into your will.
Its purpose is straightforward: if your children are still young when you pass away, their inheritance is not handed to them outright. Instead, a trusted person you appoint – usually the surviving parent or a guardian – holds and manages their share until each child reaches an age you choose (for example, 21 or 25).
This avoids a young child receiving a large sum before they are ready to manage it, and lets you decide when and how they inherit. It is included in our Will + LPA + Trust package, prepared by your PKWA lawyer as part of your will.
PKWA Law recognised for sixth year running in the Straits Times “Singapore’s Best Law Firms”
Key firm updates, announcements, and notable milestones reflecting our ongoing work and developments at PKWA Law.
Photo: Minister Edwin Tong / Ministry of Law Singapore
2 August…
Insights, updates, and practical guidance from our legal team on matters that matter to you.
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Look for the East Wing Tower as shown in the picture and you’ll find us on the 16th floor.
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HDB Hub,
Singapore 310480
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Email: familylaw@pkwalaw.com
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