A recent article published by Lianhe Zaobao on 11 January 2026 highlights a significant shift in how Singaporeans are approaching legacy planning. Over the past five years, the number of Wills registered in Singapore has more than doubled, reflecting growing awareness and changing social attitudes towards planning for the future.
As reported in the article, at 31 December 2025, a total of 158,714 Wills had been recorded, with 6,179 new registrations in 2025 alone. This figure represents more than three times the number registered in 2020, when only 2,004 new Wills were logged. The steady year-on-year increase suggests that Will-making is no longer seen as a matter reserved only for old age or ill health, but as an essential part of responsible financial planning.
While the majority of Will-makers remain aged 40 and above — accounting for 94% of registrations — the data also reveals a meaningful shift among younger age groups. Registrations by individuals aged 30 to 39 increased nearly eightfold over five years, while those aged 20 to 29 also rose sharply, albeit from a smaller base. These trends point to a new generation becoming more proactive about managing their affairs earlier in life.
A Shift in Mindset Across Generations
The figures reported reflect more than population growth or administrative changes. They point to a broader change in mindset.
Today’s individuals are navigating increasingly complex financial lives. Property ownership, investments, overseas assets, blended families, and caregiving responsibilities are becoming more common. As a result, many are recognising that failing to plan does not mean matters will resolve themselves — it simply means decisions will be left to default legal rules, which often fail to adequately provide the most appropriate of arrangements.
Why Having a Will in Singapore Matters
This growing awareness brings us back to a fundamental question: why is having a Will so important in Singapore?
In the absence of a valid Will, a person’s estate is distributed strictly according to the Intestate Succession Act. These statutory rules apply regardless of personal relationships, family dynamics, or individual intentions. They do not account for modern realities such as unmarried partners, stepchildren, unequal financial dependency, or personal wishes regarding asset distribution.
A Will allows an individual to decide who should inherit, in what proportions, and under what structure. It also enables the appointment of trusted executors to manage the estate efficiently, rather than leaving these responsibilities to chance or court appointment.
Beyond distribution, a Will provides structure at a time when families are often emotionally vulnerable. Without clear instructions, loved ones may face delays, administrative complications, or even disputes — not because of ill intent, but due to uncertainty and differing interpretations of what the deceased “would have wanted”.
By setting out clear intentions in writing, a Will reduces ambiguity and helps families move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
The latest figures remind us that legacy planning is no longer about age. It is about intention. And for many Singaporeans today, taking that step early is becoming not the exception, but the norm.
Concluding Thoughts
The steady increase in Will-making over the past five years signals a society that is becoming more informed, more deliberate, and more forward-looking. As financial lives become more complex and family structures more diverse, clarity in planning becomes increasingly essential.
A Will is not merely a legal document prepared at the end of life. It is a planning tool created during life — one that brings certainty, reduces future burden, and preserves harmony among those left behind.
How Can SMTP Help
At Sim Mong Teck & Partners, we understand that legacy planning is not merely about preparing legal documents, but about providing clarity, continuity, and peace of mind for both individuals and their families. As personal circumstances, family structures, and asset holdings become increasingly complex, thoughtful planning plays a vital role in preventing uncertainty and unintended outcomes.
Clients who engage our Family Legacy Planning team are guided throughout the process by the steady and experienced hand of our lawyers, who take time to understand each client’s objectives, family dynamics, and long-term intentions. Through careful discussion and structured advice, we help translate these intentions into legally sound and practical planning solutions that are aligned with their wishes.
Should you or your clients require assistance with ill planning or broader legacy matters, our Business Development team will be pleased to facilitate the appropriate arrangements and connect you with our legal team for further support.
