Quora Answer: Can You Create a Legally Binding Will by Yourself?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Can you create a will by yourself, and is it legally binding?”

Yes, you can create a will.  There is no need to get a lawyer involved unless you have complicated assets, with multiple levels of ownership such as holding companies, overseas trusts, and such like.  Even then, it would be preferable, but it is not a requirement.

For you to write a valid will, you must be of the age of majority.  In Singapore, that is 21 years of age.  The will must be in writing, as in, a document.  You may print it, you may write it, you may even draw diagrams.  The will must be signed by you.  Your signing the will must be witnessed by, at least, two people, who are of the age of majority.  These witnesses may neither be beneficiaries, nor the spouse of beneficiaries when witnessing it.  These witnesses must then sign that will in front of you, and the other witnesses.  The will should, ideally, name an executor of the estate.

It is preferable to file a copy of the will at the Register of Wills, at the Ministry of Law, and inform the executors of your estate.  This eliminates the possibility of contestation.