Creating a Will for the first time can feel overwhelming. You might have questions like:
“With so many Will writing services, who can I trust?” “Can I just write my own Will in Singapore and call it a day?” “I don’t have many assets, do I really need a lawyer?”
It’s normal to feel lost, especially when Will writing isn’t something we often talk about with friends, or even family.
While it’s not exactly a taboo, many still shy away from thinking about end-of-life planning. Some think it’s too morbid, some don’t see the rush.
Our goal today is to make this process less confusing and easier to navigate.
When it comes to setting up your Will, you have three common options:
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Will writing
Working with an Estate planner and a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer exclusively
In this blog, we’ll compare and break down these three choices, so you can decide what works best for you.
Overview of Each Will Writing Option
DIY Will Writing
In Singapore, a self-written Will is recognised.1
There are specific conditions you need to meet for the Will to be legally valid, but you can generally draft your own Will without involving a lawyer.
Many people turn to online templates or services to create a Will independently. It’s popular for being quick, convenient, and cost-effective—sometimes even free.
However, this comes with its own risks.
While it makes Will writing more accessible, the simplicity of these templates and services increases the risk of errors and ambiguities. Since they are designed for the general public, they may not align with the latest local legal standards or your unique circumstances. And any legal oversights or vague language could render your Will invalid or contestable—the very outcomes you’re trying to avoid.
For individuals with minimal assets and no dependents, these online templates and tools offer a useful starting point for considering asset distribution.
But for those with more diverse portfolios and backgrounds, there’s a chance you might overlook critical details.
As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you don’t know.”
You might miss out on options which could better protect your interests.
As we all have unique backgrounds, a DIY Will might save time and money upfront but could lead to complications down the line.
Working with an Estate Planner and a Lawyer
They say two heads are better than one, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to Will writing.
This option involves working with an estate planner and a lawyer to create a comprehensive, tailored estate plan.
But why involve two professionals?
Here’s how they complement each other:
An estate planner takes a holistic look at your assets, background and circumstances. Their role is to help you structure your wealth distribution to align with your wishes and unique situation while minimising potential conflicts and tax liabilities.
A lawyer’s role is to draft your Will in a way that accurately reflects your wishes and ensures it is legally sound, clear, and enforceable, leaving no room for misunderstandings.
You can expect to engage in collaborative discussions with your estate planner. They would guide you to think more thoroughly about your asset distribution for different possibilities so your legacy is foolproof.
The discussion could cover topics like setting up a trust for your children's education, considering contingencies if a beneficiary doesn’t outlive your will, or minimising estate taxes to maximise the inheritance for your beneficiaries.
With a professional planner guiding you, exploring options to manage your estate becomes easier.
Together, the estate planner and lawyer work to ensure your wishes are reflected accurately so that your assets are protected and your loved ones are cared for.
For those with multiple assets, complex family structures, businesses, or other unique circumstances, this option ensures that nothing falls through the cracks, giving you the peace of mind you seek amid life’s uncertainties.
Hiring Lawyer-only
Hiring a lawyer exclusively for Will writing means receiving expert legal advice and a personalised service. Once the lawyer understands your wishes, they will handle all legal documentation and make sure your Will complies with local laws.
Usually, lawyers only specialise in drafting legal documents and providing expert legal guidance.
They are not trained financial advisors, which means they might overlook certain aspects of the financial planning such as estate taxes or strategies to help your family sustain the inherited assets.
If you have a straightforward estate with minimal liabilities and dependents, going directly to a lawyer could be a practical and efficient choice.
However, if your situation is more intricate, there is a real possibility you might need to revise your Will multiple times to address overlooked blind spots when working solely with a lawyer.
Quick Comparison Chart
Pros
Cons
DIY Will Writing
- Cost-effective - Quick and accessible
- Higher risk of errors - Limited legal and financial guidance - Does not accommodate complex needs or dynamics
Estate Planner + Lawyer
- Holistic planning - Tailored solutions to protect your interests - Detailed, legally compliant documentation
- Requires more time to coordinate and align resources - Higher costs due to professional fees
- Usually does not offer advice on asset distribution - Might require several revisions - Higher costs due to professional fees
How Should You Decide?
Here are some factors to consider before making your decision:
1. Estate Complexity
The complexity of your estate plays a key role in choosing the right method.
If you have multiple assets, such as property, investments, insurance, and business interests, or if there are several beneficiaries involved, the process becomes more complicated.
The more intricate your estate, the more beneficial it is to seek professional assistance to make sure all assets are properly accounted for and distributed to your wishes.
2. Family Dynamics
Your family structure and relationships also impact your decision.
If your family dynamics are complex, such as having blended families, estranged relatives, ex-spouses, or potential heirs with differing interests, a professionally drafted Will can provide clarity and prevent disputes or contentions.
In these cases, an advisor or planner can guide you through the process, addressing all potential concerns and a lawyer can translate that to your Will. This leaves little room for misinterpretation and reduces the risk of conflicts among your loved ones over your legacy.
3. Budget
When considering your budget, weigh the peace of mind and long-term benefits that professional guidance provides against the short-term savings of a DIY approach.
When you’re younger and have a simple estate, a DIY Will might feel sufficient.
But as your assets grow and when you have more dependents, professional services provide higher security and assurance. It is an investment that saves you and your loved ones from potential legal headaches down the road.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between a DIY approach, combining an Estate Planner with a Lawyer, or opting for a Lawyer-only service depends on your unique circumstances—such as the complexity of your estate, your family dynamics, and your budget.
We hope this post has helped clarify your options and guide you toward the best decision for your needs.
If you found this helpful, be sure to explore our other blogs on legacy and estate planning:
The views expressed in this media do not necessarily reflect the views of PFPFA Pte Ltd (“PFPFA”). The information provided herein is intended for general circulation and not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use will be contrary to local laws or regulations. You should also note that the information presented does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or the particular needs of any specific individuals; and therefore, may not be appropriate to your individual needs. You should seek the advice of your financial adviser representative or a professional before making any commitment to purchase or invest in any investment product.
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