Estate Planning · Singapore
Intestate Succession Act
The Moment Someone Dies Without a Will
Until a family member is legally appointed by the court
Bank Accounts
Access restricted until legal authority granted
HDB / Property
Must go through estate admin process
CPF Savings
Distributed via nominations — not by will
Investments
Frozen pending court authority
Families often face months of delays — bills pile up, funeral costs go unpaid
Without a Will — A Messy Affair
—Months in court
—Legal fees drained
The law decides — not you
Spouse + Children
Spouse Only
Children Only
Spouse + Parents
Parents Only
No Spouse/Children/
Parents
No Surviving Relatives
What your family must do next
⚖️ Court order required
Family must apply to court under the Intestate Succession Act before anyone can manage the estate
⏳ Months of delay
Most assets cannot be accessed or distributed until the administrator is appointed
💰 Additional costs
Court filing fees, legal fees & possible administration bond — all paid from the estate
📋 The law decides
Without a Will, the ISA decides distribution — not your personal wishes
Important exception
CPF savings do not form part of your estate. CPF is handled separately by the CPF Board.
✓ With CPF Nomination
CPF savings paid directly to your nominees.
⚠ No CPF Nomination
Savings transferred to Public Trustee's Office → ISA distribution.
Your Home After You're Gone
Joint Tenancy
The right of survivorship applies. When one owner dies, the surviving co-owner automatically becomes sole owner.
✓ No probate or court process required for the transfer.
Tenancy-in-Common
Each owner holds a separate share. When an owner dies, their share enters the estate and is distributed per the will or Intestate Succession Act.
— Court authority required before transfer.
Sole Owner
The entire property forms part of the estate. Family must obtain Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration before any action.
— Process can take several months.
The difference a Will makes
✗ Without a Will
✓ With a Will
Take Action Today
Protect your family. Decide who inherits.
Leave clarity — not confusion.
A will costs little. The consequences of not having one can cost everything.