What happens if I pass away without a Will in Singapore?

Without a will, the Intestate Succession Act will determine what each of the surviving family members will get. In addition, the Grant of Letter of Administration needs to be applied. The estate settlement process can then take a longer time and may cost more.

Does CPF monies follow my Will?

CPF monies do not form part of a deceased member's estate and are not covered by a Will. CPF members can make a CPF nomination via the Singpass App, under CPF. The member would need to prepare two witnesses in the process (their Names, NRICs, Emails).

Is CPF nomination revoked after divorce?

CPF nomination is not automatically revoked after a divorce. The member needs to take action to amend it. The member's ex-spouse will still receive his / her CPF savings if they are named as a beneficiary and the member passes away.

What happens to my HDB flat when I pass away?

Ownership of the flat will be distributed according to the Will or the Intestate Succession Act (if there is no Will). However, if there is a Will, there is still a need to apply for the Grant of Probate. If there is no Will, a Grant of Letter of Administration is needed.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows a person (the "donor") to voluntarily appoint one or more trusted people (the "donees") to make decisions and act on the person's behalf if he / she loses mental capacity (due to an accident or illness or medical emergency).

Do insurance proceeds form part of my estate?

It depends if a nomination has been made and the type of nomination, being revocable nomination, irrevocable nomination or Trust, or no nomination / invalid nomination. In general, for no nomination / invalid nomination, the proceeds form part of the deceased's estate.

Can an executor also be a beneficiary?

It is legal and also common for an executor and beneficiary to be the same person. However, a beneficiary cannot be any of the witnesses.

What happens to a person's Singpass after he / she passes away?

When a person passes away, their Singpass account is automatically deactivated once the death is registered. Access that require a Singpass login will be cut off and portals such as CPF, HDB cannot be used.

Protect Your Family with Comprehensive Estate Plans

Bentley Chen
May 16
2 min read

Estate planning is often seen as a daunting task, something that many people put off until it feels absolutely necessary. However, the truth is that having a comprehensive estate plan is crucial for protecting your family and ensuring that your wishes are honored after you pass away. This is a conflict control estate planning case.

Eye-level view of a cozy family home surrounded by a lush garden — Eye-Witnesses Present during Signing of Will

Brief Background

Family Profile / Situation

A landed house stood for many years, probably around 20 years. It was Madam X's life's work, building it and upgrading it over the years. And now, at over seventy years old, with her health quietly fading, it had become the silent subject of every family dinner. Madam X had three children. Two children had been eyeing the landed property for years, each has been planning their claim in different ways. Then there is Susan, the only daughter, who brought Madam X to doctor's appointments, who sat through long silences.

Susan had known Ben, who came highly recommended for his calm and methodical approach. He had seen families like theirs before - good people, but complicated by assets.

Ben asked Madam X about her wishes, for the house, other assets, her fears. Over several sessions, Ben guided Madam X and Susan, drafting a Will that was clear and reflective of her true wishes. Ben make sure Madam X understood every clause, the landed property, insurance policies, bank accounts, jewellery and other assets.

When the Will was finally done, Madam X held the document for a long moment, and said 'I should have done this long ago'. Some battles are won not by fighting - but by planning ahead.

Why is Estate Planning Important?

Protects Your Family: A comprehensive estate plan ensures that your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. Without a plan, state laws will dictate how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your desires.
Healthcare Decisions: An estate plan can include directives for healthcare decisions, ensuring that your medical preferences are respected if you become unable to communicate them.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a plan in place can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying life rather than worrying about the future.