Friday, April 24, 2009

The Importance of a Will


A Will is a document that provides for the proper administration and distribution of an estate after death. While most are aware of the benefits of a well-drafted Will, they tend to delay having them written for various reasons.

It is said that in Singapore, almost 90% of the population is without a Will. If no Will is made before an individual’s death, he is then known to have died ‘intestate’ and distribution of the estate will be distributed in accordance to the Intestate Succession Act. This means you have no say as to how your estate is divided up between your loved ones. The Will must comply with the Wills Act to be valid. You may consider engaging a lawyer to make your Will. Needy seniors can also seek the assistance of the Legal Aid Bureau to draft a Will.

A few things to note:

. Review your Will periodically especially if there are changes in your life such as a marriage or divorce.

. Register your Will for free at the Wills Registry.

. Do let your family members know that you have a Will and where the original Will is kept.

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