⚠️ This guide was researched and updated in May 2026. Laws and regulations change frequently. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with local legal counsel.
Choosing a Will Service in Singapore
In Singapore you can make a will with a lawyer, through a will-writing company, with an online will service or from a template. This guide compares the routes and the questions worth asking before you choose one.
Four routes to writing your will
A Singapore will must meet the signing and witnessing rules of the Wills Act 1838, whichever route you choose. The routes differ mainly in cost and the advice included.
A lawyer
A lawyer (an advocate and solicitor) can draft a tailored will and advise on property held jointly, trusts, family businesses and assets overseas. This route suits larger or complicated estates and usually costs the most.
Highest cost · Tailored legal advice
A will-writing company
Will-writing companies and some trust companies prepare wills through a consultation. Their staff are not always lawyers, so check who drafts and reviews the will and what the fee covers.
Mid cost · Guided consultation
An online will service
An online will service asks structured questions and produces a will you print, sign and have witnessed. It can suit straightforward estates and typically costs less than a lawyer.
Lower cost · Structured, self-guided
A template or will kit
A blank template or kit is the cheapest route but offers no prompts or checks. A will not signed and witnessed correctly may be invalid in Singapore, so this route carries the highest risk of errors.
Lowest cost · Highest risk of errors
How to choose the right route for you
There is no single “best” way to write a will. The right route depends on your circumstances. A few questions can help you weigh the options. If your situation is at all complex, it may be worth consulting a qualified professional before you decide.
- How straightforward your estate is. A modest estate with clear wishes needs less than one with business interests, trusts or assets in more than one country.
- Whether you need advice as well as a document. Some routes produce a will only, while others include professional guidance on tax and structure.
- The provider’s credentials: qualifications, regulation, professional-body membership and how complaints are handled.
- Total cost and what it covers. A low headline price may exclude storage, future updates or advice you later need.
- How the will is signed and witnessed. Every route still requires the formal signing and witnessing rules to be followed for the will to be valid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Singapore?
No. A Singapore will is valid whichever route you use, provided it is in writing, signed and witnessed as the Wills Act 1838 requires. A lawyer may be worth the extra cost for businesses, trusts or assets overseas. If in doubt, consider speaking to a qualified professional.
Does my will cover my CPF savings?
Generally not. CPF savings are distributed under a CPF nomination rather than under your will, so it is worth checking your nomination alongside the will.
Is an online will valid in Singapore?
A will made with an online will service can be just as valid as one drafted by a lawyer, provided it is printed, signed and witnessed correctly. The difference lies in the level of tailored advice, not the validity of the document.
Are the rules different for Muslims in Singapore?
Yes. The estates of Muslims in Singapore are generally distributed under Muslim law, which limits what a will can direct. People in this position often seek specialist guidance before making a will.
Ready to make a start?
Whichever route you choose, the important thing is to have a valid, up-to-date will in place. You can begin online with structured prompts, or find a professional for advice on your own situation.
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