If you own property, run a business, or have family here and overseas — your estate is more complex than you think. A clear plan makes sure the people who depend on you are taken care of, not left sorting things out on their own.
Why Estate Planning
Nobody likes thinking about it. But if you have a mortgage, children who depend on you, ageing parents, or a business — what happens next isn't something you can leave to chance.
In Singapore, if you die without a valid will, the Intestate Succession Act decides who gets what. Not you. Your assets can be frozen for months while the process plays out. Your CPF follows completely separate rules — a will doesn't cover it at all. And the people who depend on you? They're stuck waiting, at the worst possible time.
A proper estate plan puts you in control. Your assets go to the people you choose, when you choose, the way you choose. Disputes are less likely. The process is simpler for your family. And you stop carrying the weight of not having sorted it out.
A good estate plan needs two things — the right structure and the money to back it up. It's like building a house. The architect draws the plans. The structural engineer makes sure it won't collapse. You need both, or something will give.
Our Services
No two families are the same. These services work together so your estate is covered properly — not just one piece at a time.
Your will is where everything starts. We work with practising law firms to get it drafted right, witnessed properly, and stored safely. When the time comes, there should be zero doubt about what you intended.
We lay out everything you have — property, CPF, insurance, investments, debts — and show you what your family would actually receive. Most people find gaps between what they assume and what would really happen. This is where we close them.
If your children are young, or someone in the family isn't ready to handle a large sum on their own, a trust lets you decide how and when they receive it — rather than everything landing in their lap at once.
If you can no longer make decisions for yourself, who takes over? Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, your family has to go to court to get that authority. With one, someone you trust can step in right away.
If you've built a business, accumulated assets over decades, or hold family wealth across generations — the question is what happens to it after you. A succession plan keeps the handover clean and the family intact.
Every family's situation is unique. A 30-minute conversation is often all it takes to understand where you stand and what you need.
Our Network
We don't do everything ourselves. We work with a network of specialists, each handling a specific part of your estate plan — so nothing falls through the cracks.
Practising in estate and succession law. They draft your will, establish trusts, and make sure everything holds up under Singapore law.
Court-appointed under the Mental Capacity Act and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. They step in when someone can no longer make decisions for themselves — always acting in that person's best interests.
Licensed by MAS under the Trust Companies Act — the same regulatory oversight that governs banks. And most people are surprised to hear that trust management can start from around $200 a month.
Certified estate planners holding designations like ChFC, CFP, and CFA. They handle both the estate structure and the financial analysis to make sure your plan is actually funded. Because a plan with no money behind it is just paper.
Testimonials
Common Questions
A Will is a legal document that states how you want your assets distributed when you pass on — who gets what, and who you appoint to carry out those wishes.
Estate Planning goes further. It's a deliberate process that takes into account your family dynamics, the full picture of your assets, and how everything is transferred smoothly to the people you intend — at the right time — in the event of death or mental incapacity. The goal isn't just distribution. It's ensuring harmony among your beneficiaries, so the people you love aren't left navigating conflict on top of grief.
In Singapore, you can write a will without a lawyer — either on your own or using a template — as long as the legal requirements are met. Your will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two persons of legal age.
However, if your situation involves multiple properties, minor children, blended family dynamics, or cross-border assets, working with a lawyer experienced in estate and succession law is strongly advisable. A poorly drafted will can create more problems than having none at all. If you're unsure whether your situation calls for professional help, speak with us — we're happy to help you assess.
The best time is when there's a significant change in your life — getting married, becoming a parent or grandparent, a major change in health, starting a business, going through a separation or divorce, or entering a second marriage.
But truthfully? If you have people who depend on you and assets to your name, the right time is now. None of us can predict what tomorrow holds, and having a plan in place gives both you and your family peace of mind.
No. Your CPF savings cannot be distributed through a Will. A separate CPF nomination is required. Without one, your CPF funds will be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act — and if any of your beneficiaries are minors, the Public Trustee will hold their share until the child turns 18.
There's another issue most people don't consider: a standard CPF nomination only allows for a lump sum payout to your beneficiaries. For some families, this can be problematic — particularly if your beneficiaries are young or may not manage a large sum well. Through proper planning, it's possible to create a special arrangement for periodic payouts to your beneficiaries, giving you more control even after you're gone. Speak with us to find out how this works.
An LPA allows you to appoint one or more trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf — regarding your property, finances, and personal welfare — should you lose the mental capacity to do so yourself.
Without an LPA, your family would need to apply to the Court to be appointed as your deputy. This process may easily cost mid to high four figures depending on the legal work involved, take months to complete, and adds emotional strain during an already difficult time. An LPA is one of the most practical and compassionate things you can put in place — not just for yourself, but for the people who would have to step in. Reach out to us if you'd like to understand how to get started.
You might already have a trust arrangement without realising it. If a parent wills their assets to minor children and names a surviving spouse or family member to hold those assets on their behalf — that's already a trust, managed by an individual trustee.
The challenge is that individual trustees may fall ill, pass away before the role is completed, or mismanage the assets. A formal trust, managed by a licensed trust company, removes these risks. It also allows for periodic payouts rather than a lump sum — giving you control over how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
Other common reasons for setting up a trust in Singapore include providing for family members with special needs and shielding assets from creditors in the event of bankruptcy. Not everyone needs a formal trust — but if you're unsure whether your current arrangement is adequate, we can help you assess.
This depends on the content of your Will. A Will can revoke an existing insurance nomination if it meets certain requirements. However, in practice, there's a growing trend of insurers choosing to wait for probate before disbursing payouts — even when a valid nomination exists. This can defeat the very purpose of making a nomination in the first place.
If ensuring your family receives their insurance payout quickly is a priority, there are other arrangements that can achieve this more reliably. Speak with us to find out what options are available for your situation.
The first consultation is a relaxed, complimentary conversation — typically 60 to 90 minutes. We'll walk through your current situation: your assets, family structure, existing wills or nominations, and any specific concerns you have.
Our goal is to understand your situation fully before deciding how we can add value. By the end of the session, you'll have a clearer understanding of where you stand and what gaps exist. We'll also share what work is involved and a rough sense of cost — so there are no surprises down the line. There's no obligation to proceed.
Yes, absolutely. Your will and estate plan should be reviewed and updated whenever there's a significant change in your life — a new child, a change in marital status, a property purchase or sale, a change in health, or a shift in your financial situation. Family relationships can also evolve over time, and your plan should reflect that.
We recommend reviewing your estate plan at least once every two to five years, even if nothing major has changed. Life evolves, laws can change, and what made sense a few years ago may no longer be the best arrangement for your family today.
The cost depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you need. A simple will may be more affordable than most people expect, while a comprehensive plan involving trusts, LPAs, and succession arrangements will naturally involve more.
We offer a complimentary initial consultation where we'll understand your situation and provide a clear, transparent breakdown of costs — no surprises, no pressure. Our view is that the value of a well-structured estate plan far outweighs the cost of not having one.
The initial consultation typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. From there, most clients complete their estate plan within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of their situation.
We work at a pace that feels comfortable and thorough — never rushed. The goal is to make sure you feel confident about every decision before anything is formalised.
At Providence, every will is drafted and witnessed by lawyers who actively practise in estate and succession law — often at a similar cost to other will-writing options.
The advantage of working with a practising lawyer is that they're current in the field. They can identify clauses that may lead to disputes, advise on how to structure your wishes to prevent conflict among beneficiaries, and ensure your will holds up under scrutiny. Their day-to-day experience with real cases means the advice you receive is grounded in what actually happens — not just what looks right on paper.
Beyond will drafting, our team combines estate planning with advanced financial analysis — so your plan isn't just legally sound, it's properly funded. That's a combination most providers simply don't offer. If you'd like to understand how our approach works, book a complimentary consultation — there's no obligation.
Have a question that's not answered here?
Ask Us AnythingHow It Works
The first meeting is a conversation. We're not going to pitch you anything or ask you to sign up on the spot. It's free, and it's really just about understanding your situation.
First meeting, 60–90 minutes. We talk through your family, your goals, and the gaps we see in your current plan.
If you choose to engage us, we model the numbers and narrow the right structure with you — so every decision is informed, not assumed.
Our legal team drafts the documents, with a practising lawyer reviewing the content with you and witnessing the signing.
Will custody is available. We review every two years, and you're welcome to come back between reviews whenever life changes.
Get in Touch
Whether you're just starting to think about this or you already know what you need — we're here to talk it through.
Prefer to pick a time that works for you? Use the calendar below to schedule a complimentary consultation — no obligations, just a friendly conversation about your needs.