Plain answers to common legal questions
General information on Singapore law, written in everyday language. Read up before you decide anything, then speak with a lawyer about your own situation.
Wills & probate guides
Making a will that holds up, and what happens to an estate after someone dies.
Wills
4 articles
What happens if someone dies without a will in Singapore?
When there is no will, the law decides who inherits and in what shares, and a close relative has to ask the court for authority to deal with the estate.
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What makes a will valid in Singapore?
A will only works if it meets the formal rules in the Wills Act. Most of them concern who can make a will and how it is signed and witnessed.
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How do I choose an executor (and a guardian for my children)?
Your executor carries out your will and your guardian looks after your children. Both choices deserve careful thought and a conversation with the people concerned.
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What does a will not cover?
Several important assets pass outside a will. Knowing which ones helps you make sure your will, nominations and property arrangements all point the same way.
Read the guideAfter a death
3 articles
What is the difference between probate and letters of administration?
Both documents give legal authority over a deceased person's estate. Which one you need depends on whether there is a valid will and an executor who can act.
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How does applying for a grant of probate work?
Applying for probate follows a fairly set sequence: gather the will and documents, work out what the estate contains, file with the court, then administer the estate once the grant is issued.
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Can a foreign grant of probate be used in Singapore?
If someone who lived abroad leaves assets in Singapore, the foreign grant usually has to be 'resealed' here, or a fresh Singapore grant obtained, before those assets can be dealt with.
Read the guideNotary & personal documents guides
Powers of attorney, changing your name, and getting documents ready for use overseas.
Documents
3 articles
What is the difference between a power of attorney and a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Both documents let someone act on your behalf, but they work at different times. One covers practical absence; the other covers loss of mental capacity.
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How do I change my name by deed poll in Singapore?
Changing your name in Singapore is usually done by signing a deed poll before a lawyer and then updating your records with ICA. The process is short, but the follow-up takes some organising.
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What does a notary public do, and how do I get a document ready for use overseas?
Documents for use abroad usually need two steps in Singapore: notarisation by a notary public, then authentication by the Singapore Academy of Law. Some countries need a third step at their embassy.
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