While drafting a Will is an essential first step, ensuring that it is properly signed and executed is equally critical in ensuring its validity. Without proper adherence to legal formalities, a Will may be vulnerable to challenges. In many cases, inheritance is accepted without issue, but conflicts can arise when beneficiaries feel they have been […]

In an era where advancements in technology and medicine have extended life expectancy, society faces a growing challenge: the rise of dementia and other ageing-related mental health issues. While we have developed tools to prolong physical health, no innovation has yet solved the cognitive decline that often accompanies ageing. For many, this loss of mental […]

Significance of Getting a Will Done Early A Will is a cornerstone of estate planning, ensuring that your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets are respected after your passing. However, many people delay creating a Will, believing they are “too young” or that it is only necessary for those with significant wealth. This delay […]

In the 1st instalment of this 2-part series, we introduced the concept of Will Validity, emphasizing that only a Valid Will is legally enforceable. We explored how validity of a Will consists of two key components: Formal Validity and Essential Validity. Part 1 of this series focused on exploring Formal Validity, which pertains to the […]

Introduction Legacy planning is a vital part of preparing for the future. It ensures that your assets and wealth are passed down to the people and causes you care about most. At the heart of legacy planning is the creation of a valid will, a crucial document that dictates how your estate is distributed after […]

Introduction The passing of a beneficiary before the testator is an event that could complicate the distribution of an estate, raising questions about who will ultimately inherit the assets. The legal outcomes in such situations depend on various factors, including the specific provisions within that will, and how the pre-deceased beneficiary had been related to […]

Introduction Legacy planning, often an overlooked but undeniably crucial process, ensures that our assets are distributed according to our wishes after we pass away. Without a well-thought-out plan, the distribution and management of one’s estate, ever so often, becomes a contentious issue, leading to family disputes and the unintended distribution of assets, causing undue stress […]

Introduction As Singapore’s population continues to age, the significance of legacy planning and will preparation has never been more crucial. An increasing number of individuals are taking a proactive approach, enrolling in courses and educating themselves about the complexities involved in legacy planning and will-drafting. However, this intricate process is rife with potential pitfalls and […]

Introduction In Singapore, the landscape of family structures is slowly evolving, mirroring global trends towards more diverse familial arrangements. While the traditional nuclear family remains prevalent, an increasing number of families are embracing non traditional configurations, including same-sex couples, non-wedded cohabitating couples, and single parent households. However, amidst the celebration of diversity, there lies a […]

Introduction As seasoned legal practitioners in the field of Estate Planning, we are accustomed to fielding inquiries regarding Wills and the probate process on a daily basis. Among the most frequent queries we encounter are: “What are the ramifications if the original Will cannot be located? Is the submission of a copy considered acceptable?” Such […]

Introduction Legacy planning transcends the mere transfer of tangible assets to one’s descendants; it delves into the intangible impressions and enduring associations woven into the fabric of one’s name. With regard to tangible assets, the necessary arrangements and steps should be taken by the individual to ensure that his/her affairs are well-managed and planned to […]

Introduction Every so often, in the planning for the distribution of assets via a testamentary trust, testators (for the purposes of this article, the term “testator” is used interchangeably with the term “settlor” because the testator of the will is effectively also the settlor of the testamentary trust created by the testator’s will) would request […]

Introduction Singapore, being an international hub, draws a huge number of expatriates and immigrants all year round – Many of whom have amassed substantial assets, both immoveable and moveable, not only in their countries of origin but in multiple other jurisdictions. Those who are slightly more informed in estate planning have even gone on to […]

  Introduction Legacy Planning stands as an indispensable compass that navigates the complexities of estate management for the prosperity of the future generations. Within this strategic framework, Estate Creation, Estate Protection and Estate Distribution emerge as the fundamental pillars, each playing a distinct role in shaping a comprehensive and enduring legacy; and binding these three […]

Introduction To many individuals, it is understood that the right of survivorship should apply to joint bank accounts. The seamless transfer of assets from one account holder to another upon death has long been a cornerstone of financial planning, providing a sense of security and continuity. Yet, beneath the surface of this seemingly straightforward principle […]