Dying without a will in Singapore
If you pass away without a will in Singapore, your estate is divided under the Intestate Succession Act. The law fixes who receives what, and your family will usually need to apply to the court before they can deal with your assets.
Note for Muslim families: the Intestate Succession Act does not apply to Muslims. Muslim estates are distributed under faraid (Islamic inheritance law).
Who receives what
The most common situations are shown below.
| Your family | Who receives your estate |
|---|---|
| Spouse, no children or parents | Spouse receives everything. |
| Spouse and children | Spouse receives half. Children share the other half equally. |
| Children, no spouse | Children share everything equally. |
| Spouse and parents, no children | Spouse receives half. Parents share the other half. |
| Parents only | Parents share everything. |
| No spouse, children or parents | Siblings, then grandparents, then uncles and aunts, in that order. |
| No relatives in these groups | The Government. |
Points that are often misunderstood
- A spouse does not receive everything if there are children or surviving parents.
- An unmarried partner receives nothing.
- Stepchildren who were not adopted receive nothing.
- All children receive equal shares, whatever their needs.
Letters of Administration
Without a will, a family member usually needs to apply to the court for Letters of Administration before your assets can be dealt with. This usually takes longer than probate with a valid will, and accounts in your sole name may be frozen in the meantime.
Guardians for your children
Parents can appoint a guardian in a will or by deed. If both parents die without appointing one, the court decides.
Making a will
A simple will is not expensive, and you do not need a lawyer to make one. You must sign it in front of two witnesses who are present at the same time. Do not ask a beneficiary, or the spouse of one, to be a witness, as any gift to them would fail.
Official sources
Related
Estate check
Ten questions on your will, nominations, Lasting Power of Attorney and property. It takes about three minutes.
Start the estate checkThis guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees can change, so please check the official websites listed above.