FOR INDIVIDUALS
A simple will, for a simple life.
For unmarried adults, single parents, and anyone with a straightforward estate. A valid Singapore will needs to comply with the Wills Act 1838 — written, signed, witnessed by two people who aren’t beneficiaries ¹. Tell us your situation and we’ll arrange for the right will writing provider to reach out for a free consultation. No fees from us, ever.
2 independent witnesses
Executor appointment
The basics, done right.
A “simple will” is a misnomer — there’s nothing simple about getting the formalities wrong. Three rules trip up most DIY writers.
A simple will is suitable when your estate is straightforward — a single property or none, savings, CPF, personal effects, and a small set of beneficiaries. The document does three things: it distributes your assets, it appoints an executor to administer the estate, and it names a guardian for any minor children ².
To be legally valid in Singapore, the will must comply with the Wills Act 1838. The testator must be at least 21, the document must be in writing and signed at the foot, and two witnesses must be physically present together when you sign — and then sign in your presence ¹.
The most common DIY mistake: using a beneficiary (or their spouse) as a witness. Under section 10 of the Wills Act, any gift to a witness or their spouse is void ¹. The will itself remains valid, but the gift to that person fails — and the asset falls into residue.
Some assets are outside the will entirely. CPF savings pass via a separate CPF nomination made through CPF Board ³. Property held in joint tenancy passes to the surviving co-owner by right of survivorship ⁴. Nominated insurance policies pay out directly to the nominee. These three categories do not form part of your estate and cannot be willed away.
IN EVERY SIMPLE WILL
The five essential clauses.
Personal particulars — your full name, NRIC/FIN, current address
Revocation clause — cancels any earlier wills you may have made.
Executor appointment — names the person who administers your estate
Specific gifts & beneficiaries — who gets what
Residuary clause — what happens to anything you haven’t listed ²
Where simple wills go wrong.
Most invalidated wills in Singapore fail on formality, not substance. Get these three things right and you’ll avoid the common pitfalls.
01 / WITNESS SELECTION
Pick witnesses who aren't in your will.
Section 10 of the Wills Act voids any gift to an attesting witness or their spouse ¹. Don’t ask a beneficiary, beneficiary’s spouse, or anyone who might inherit. A trusted colleague or neighbour with no stake in your estate is the standard choice.
02 / EXECUTOR CHOICE
Pick someone capable, not just close.
Your executor handles probate, settles debts, distributes assets, and deals with the Family Justice Courts. Pick someone organised, trustworthy, and ideally younger than you. Many testators appoint two — a family member plus a professional executor as backup ².
03 / UPDATE ON LIFE EVENTS
Marriage revokes your old will.
Under section 13 of the Wills Act, marriage automatically revokes any will made before the marriage — unless the will was made “in contemplation of marriage” to a specific person ¹. Review your will after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a beneficiary.
500+
wills compared through Finspire each month
15+
Will writing providers Finspire considers when matching
4 types
Will types covered — Simple, Mirror, Muslim, with LPA
60s
Average time to complete the Finspire Eligibility Check
Not quite your situation?
A simple will isn’t right for everyone. If you’re married, Muslim, or planning for incapacity, there are other options to consider.
For Couples
Mirror & Mutual Wills.
Married couples and partners often write reciprocal wills — each leaving everything to the other, then to the same beneficiaries.
For Muslims
Muslim Will (Wasiat).
Muslims domiciled in Singapore follow AMLA and Faraid. A Wasiat covers up to one-third of the estate to non-Faraid beneficiaries.
Plan Both
Will vs. LPA.
A will takes effect after death. An LPA takes effect if you lose mental capacity while alive. Most complete estate plans need both.
One simple will. One afternoon.
About 48% of Singaporeans surveyed don’t have a will ⁵. Start with the simplest version that fits your situation — you can always update later. Tell us about you and we’ll arrange a free consultation with the right provider. Free for you, always.
Sources & citations
Every numbered citation on this page links to a primary source. Click through to verify. Last reviewed: 16 May 2026.
1. Wills Act 1838 — formal validity, witness rules, marriage revocation
Singapore Statutes Online — Wills Act 1838 (primary source)
2. Will components, executor, residuary clause, what goes in a will
SingaporeLegalAdvice — Make a Will in Singapore: Formalities Involved (2026)
3. CPF savings not covered by will — CPF Board official position
CPF Board — CPF monies not covered by a will (primary source)
4. Joint tenancy & right of survivorship in SG wills
28 Falcon Law — Writing an Enforceable Will in Singapore
5.~48% of Singaporeans without a will
The Straits Times — Dying without a will (2022)
6. Muslim wills, AMLA, one-third rule
SingaporeLegalAdvice — Muslim Inheritance Law in Singapore
This page is general information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a SG-qualified lawyer. Finspire does not provide legal advice.