Key Focus
Clarity + Continuity
Covers
CPF, LPA, ACP, Wills
Includes
Muslim Planning
A practical, knowledge-first guide to protecting your family, your business, and your wishes. Good planning is not about complexity — it's about clarity and continuity.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for your specific situation.
Start Here
Use this checklist to assess where you stand with legacy planning. Click each item to jump to that section.
CPF Nomination
Reviewed and up-to-date
Insurance Nomination
Beneficiaries designated
Will or Wasiat
Legally prepared
LPA Done
Lasting Power of Attorney
ACP Done
Advance Care Planning
Business Continuity
If you're a business owner
Tip: Review your legacy plan annually or after major life events (marriage, children, property purchase, business changes).
Understanding The Basics
Clarity + Continuity + Care. Ensures your wishes, values, and assets transfer meaningfully to loved ones.
Distribution mechanics. The legal structures and documents that determine how your assets are allocated.
Continuity while alive. LPA and ACP ensure decisions can be made on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Family Harmony
Speed of Access
Business Continuity
Privacy & Structure
Cross-Border Assets
Core Visual
Different asset types follow different rules. Understanding this is the foundation of good planning.
Follows CPF nomination
Not governed by your Will
Follows policy nomination
Trust vs Revocable nomination
Depends on ownership type
Joint tenancy vs Tenancy-in-common
Follows Will or intestacy
Estate distribution rules apply
Key Insight: Different asset buckets follow different rules. Good planning aligns them all towards your wishes.
The Difference
See what happens in each scenario and understand why early planning matters.
Delayed access to funds
Probate can take months to years
Higher admin friction and fees
Public Trustee fees apply for un-nominated CPF
Higher dispute risk
Intestacy laws may not match your wishes
Unclear decision-maker
No one appointed if you become incapacitated
Business may collapse
No succession or continuity plan
Fast access to funds
Nominated CPF and insurance pay out quickly
Lower admin costs
Bypass Public Trustee with nominations
Reduced family disputes
Clear documentation of your wishes
Clear decision-maker
LPA donee can act on your behalf
Business continuity
Succession plan protects operations
Essential Planning Tool
CPF nomination lets you decide who receives your CPF savings and is completely free to make.
CPF nomination is completely free and can be done online via the CPF portal with Singpass.
Nominated CPF savings are paid directly to your nominees, bypassing probate and avoiding delays.
CPF goes to Public Trustee for distribution. Administration fees apply (minimum $15).
If you made a CPF nomination while single, it is automatically revoked when you get married. You must make a new nomination after marriage.
Note: Divorce does NOT automatically revoke your nomination. Review your nomination after any major life event.
Log in to CPF Portal
Access my cpf online services using your Singpass.
Choose Nomination Type
Select Cash Nomination (default), Enhanced Nomination Scheme (ENS), or Special Needs Savings Scheme (SNSS).
Add Your Nominees
Enter the details of the person(s) you wish to nominate. You can nominate anyone.
Allocate Percentage Shares
Decide what percentage each nominee should receive. Total must equal 100%.
Arrange Two Witnesses
Two witnesses aged 21+ are required. They cannot be nominees or the spouse of a nominee.
Submit Online
Complete the online submission. Witnesses must be present during submission.
Receive Confirmation
You'll receive a confirmation letter. Keep a copy for your records.
Review Regularly
Update after major life changes: marriage, children, divorce, or death of a nominee.
Nominees receive CPF monies in cash via cheque or GIRO. Most common and straightforward option.
Nominees receive CPF monies into their own CPF accounts. Useful for growing their retirement savings.
Parents can nominate children with special needs to receive monthly disbursements from their CPF savings.
Thinking a Will covers CPF (it doesn't)
Never updating nomination after marriage
Not planning for nominee predeceasing you
Not telling family where records are kept
No, CPF nomination is completely free. You can make or update your nomination at any time without any charges.
No, a Will does NOT override CPF nomination. CPF savings follow your CPF nomination, not your Will. These are separate legal instruments.
Your CPF savings will be transferred to the Public Trustee's Office for distribution according to intestacy laws (or Faraid for Muslims). Administration fees apply, with a minimum of $15.
Marriage: Automatically revokes your existing CPF nomination. You must make a new nomination after marriage.
Divorce: Does NOT automatically revoke your nomination. You should review and update it as needed.
The Toolbox
Each tool serves a different purpose. A comprehensive plan uses multiple tools in harmony.
Legal document that distributes your estate assets and appoints executors and guardians.
When useful: Distributing estate assets, appointing guardians for minor children.
Note: Does NOT cover CPF or nominated insurance.
Legal arrangement where a trustee manages assets for beneficiaries according to set terms.
When useful: Complex estates, minor children, special needs beneficiaries, wealth preservation.
Types: Revocable, Irrevocable, Testamentary, Living Trust.
Designates who receives insurance death benefits directly, bypassing estate.
Trust Nomination: Irrevocable, cannot be changed without trustee consent.
Revocable Nomination: Can be changed anytime by policyholder.
Specifies who receives your CPF savings directly upon death.
When useful: Ensuring CPF goes to intended recipients quickly.
Note: Free to make, bypasses probate entirely.
Appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
When useful: Incapacity planning, ensuring continuity of financial/personal decisions.
Fee waiver: For Singapore Citizens until 31 Mar 2026.
Transfer of assets during your lifetime to family members or charity.
When useful: Reducing estate size, charitable giving, helping family now.
Note: Once gifted, you lose control of the asset.
Estate Distribution
A Will is an essential instrument where you set out how to deal with your estate. It ensures your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes.
A Will is a legal document where you outline your desires for the distribution of assets. It names the key individuals you trust to oversee this process, ensuring your beneficiaries receive their rightful share when the time comes.
Through estate planning, some families opt to pass down an "axe" to their beneficiaries to harvest the fruits. Others choose a more sustainable approach, appointing a trusted steward to nurture the "tree" and secure a lasting harvest for generations to come.
If you wish to have control over how your assets should be distributed, you should do it as soon as possible.
Taking the time and effort to plan now helps to provide clarity and peace of mind for both you and your loved ones, offering a clear roadmap during difficult times.
Online & Unadvised
Risk: May not be legally sound or comprehensive
Templated
Suitable: Straightforward estates
Customised
Recommended: Complex estates & families
When drafting your Will, consider these four essential pillars
Regular reviews and consultation are important to ensure your Will is updated, legally sound, and properly executed.
A Will is one of the most important documents that ensures your wishes will be carried out. Store it safely.
At Home
Risk of house fire, flood, theft, or tampering by family members with ill intentions.
Home Safe
Protects against theft but usually lacks fire protection. A 2018 Serangoon house fire burned contents of a home safe.
Bank Safe Deposit
If you're the sole account holder, no one can access it without Grant of Probate — but you need the Will to get the Grant!
• Kept confidential and secure
• Safe from calamities (fires, floods)
• Prevented from tampering
• Environmentally-controlled storage
• Executor can access upon demise
• Easy to update anytime
Wealth Protection & Succession
A Trust is a powerful estate planning instrument that gives you control over your assets even after you've passed on.
Think of a Trust like a bowl of candy. Before leaving home for a long work trip, you hand this bowl to your spouse with instructions on how you want the candy to be enjoyed by your children.
If you're concerned your children aren't disciplined enough to ration the candy (or might fight over it), your instructions could include giving them one candy each after mealtime — with the condition of finishing their meal.
Settlor (You)
Owner of assets who creates the Trust
Trustee
Party you trust to manage & distribute assets
Trust Deed
Your instructions on how assets are managed
Beneficiaries
Your loved ones who benefit from the Trust
Protector (Optional)
Intermediary to watch beneficiaries & check Trustee
Asset Protection
Protect vulnerable beneficiaries from undue influence & predatory persons
Privacy
Maintain privacy of your family's wealth from public scrutiny
Reduce Conflicts
Reduce disputes between beneficiaries with clear terms
Family Reserve
Function as a family bank for resources and emergency funds
Business Succession
Plan for business succession or exit arrangement
Family Values
Achieve family goals and promote values across generations
Like a reliable compass, a Standby Trust follows the course you set. It acts as a vessel where assets can be entrusted, ready to be activated upon a defined event — be it the transition of life or mental incapacity.
Consolidate various asset classes for ease of management during and after your lifetime.
CPF & Life Insurance through nomination/assignment bypasses probate — saving time and costs.
Remain under your control during your lifetime with professional trustee accountability.
Limit beneficiaries within family tree. Suspend distribution during divorce or bankruptcy.
Identity and net worth of beneficiaries kept confidential. Shares kept private to reduce conflict.
Low setup cost with minimal yearly fees until activation.
Periodic
Regular allowances
Delayed
Age milestones
Conditional
Education, marriage
Matching
Contributions
Holds life insurance proceeds for beneficiaries, bypassing estate and providing structured distribution.
Manages investment portfolios professionally for beneficiaries over time.
Holds real estate assets, providing structured succession and management.
Protects business interests and ensures continuity during ownership transitions.
Supports charitable causes while providing tax benefits and legacy building.
For UHNW families — a dedicated trust company managing multiple family trusts.
| Feature | Lifetime Gifting | Intestacy | Will | Testamentary Trust | Standby Trust | Living Trust |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control of Beneficiary | ||||||
| Distribution Manner | Lump/Instalment | Lump Sum | Lump Sum | Lump/Instalment | Lump/Instalment | Lump/Instalment |
| Asset Protection (Divorce/Bankruptcy) |
Incapacity Planning
LPA ensures someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you (the "donor") appoint one or more persons (the "donee") to make decisions and act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
Without an LPA, your family would need to apply to court to be appointed as your deputy — a lengthy, costly, and stressful process.
Property & Affairs: Manage bank accounts, pay bills, sell property, manage investments.
Personal Welfare: Make healthcare decisions, choose where you live, manage daily needs.
Decide on Your Donee(s)
Choose someone you trust. You can appoint one or more donees, and a replacement donee.
Choose LPA Form 1 or Form 2
Form 1: Standard form with basic powers. Form 2: Customized form with specific restrictions or powers.
Complete the Application
Fill out the LPA form online through the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) website.
Get Certification by a Certificate Issuer
A lawyer, doctor, psychiatrist, or accredited medical practitioner must certify you understand the LPA.
Register with OPG
Submit the LPA for registration. Processing takes about 3 weeks. Your LPA is only valid after registration.
The LPA Form 1 application fee is waived for Singapore Citizens until 31 March 2026.
Singapore Citizens
Form 1: Free (until 31 Mar 2026)
Form 2: Check OPG website
PRs / Foreigners
Standard fees apply
Check OPG website for details
Note: Certificate issuer fees (lawyer/doctor) are separate and vary by provider.
Healthcare Wishes
ACP helps you share your healthcare preferences so your loved ones know your wishes if you can't speak for yourself.
Advance Care Planning is a process of thinking about, discussing, and documenting your healthcare preferences for a time when you may not be able to communicate them yourself.
It's different from a Will (which deals with assets) and LPA (which appoints decision-makers). ACP focuses specifically on your healthcare values and treatment preferences.
Ensures your healthcare wishes are known and respected
Reduces burden on family to make difficult decisions
Helps doctors provide care aligned with your values
Reflect on Your Values and Preferences
Think about what matters most to you — quality of life, being at home, avoiding certain treatments, etc.
Discuss with Your Family
Share your thoughts with loved ones. This helps them understand and support your wishes when needed.
Document Your ACP
Use myACP (free digital tool for generally healthy Singaporeans) or meet with an ACP facilitator for more complex health situations.
Ensure It's Accessible and Review Regularly
Keep your ACP where it can be found. Review and update it as your circumstances or preferences change.
The myACP digital tool is free for generally healthy Singaporeans. It allows you to document your ACP online at your own pace.
For those with complex health conditions, ACP facilitation sessions are available at hospitals and polyclinics.
Premium Module
For families with significant assets, legacy planning requires a more sophisticated approach.
Plan for cash needs at transition. Ensure liquidity for taxes, fees, and family support without forced asset sales.
Establish clear communication and decision-making protocols. Prevent disputes through transparency and structure.
Assets in multiple jurisdictions require careful planning for different legal systems and tax implications.
Align business succession with personal legacy. Separate business control from wealth distribution.
Too many assets scattered across platforms with no consolidated map
No liquidity plan for transition costs and ongoing family needs
Over-reliance on verbal promises instead of documentation
No continuity plan for incapacity (LPA not done)
A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets for the benefit of beneficiaries according to terms you set. It's a powerful tool for:
Living Trust
Created during your lifetime. Can be revocable or irrevocable.
Testamentary Trust
Created by your Will and takes effect after death.
Insurance Trust
Holds life insurance policies, keeping proceeds outside estate.
Note on Costs: Trust setup costs vary significantly based on complexity, jurisdiction, and professional fees. Setup can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, with ongoing administration costs. Consult qualified professionals for your specific situation.
We can help create a one-page legacy roadmap covering assets, beneficiaries, decision-makers, and continuity gaps.
PM for Legacy MapFor Business Owners
Business value can collapse quickly during disputes or incapacity. Succession and control are different from inheritance.
Business Value at Risk
Without continuity planning, business value can deteriorate rapidly during transition periods
Key Person Dependency
If you're the key decision-maker, operations may halt without a plan
Personal Guarantees
Business liabilities often extend to personal assets through guarantees
Family Disputes
Mixing family inheritance with business control often leads to conflict
Identify key personnel and their roles. Plan for replacement or interim management.
Clear terms for share transfer, buy-out triggers, and valuation methods.
Funded arrangements for share transfer upon death, disability, or exit.
Who takes over? Family member, key employee, or outside buyer?
Cash flow for operations, share buyouts, and family support during transition.
Communication plan with family about business decisions and expectations.
7 categories • 50+ items • Click to expand each section
Need help completing your checklist?
Get a professional Business Continuity Review
Execution Guide
A calm overview of what your family will need to do. Good planning makes this process clearer.
Notify relevant institutions
CPF Board, banks, insurance companies, employers
Identify nominations
CPF nominations, insurance nominations
Locate the Will
Identify executor and begin probate if needed
Separate nominated vs estate assets
Nominated assets pay out directly; estate assets go through probate
Settle outstanding obligations
Bills, taxes, debts, ongoing commitments
Distribute according to Will/intestacy
Follow legal process for remaining estate assets
Key Benefit of Planning: Nominated assets (CPF, insurance with nominations) pay out much faster than estate assets, providing immediate liquidity for your family.
Death Occurs
Process begins
Assets Identified
Bank, investments, property
CPF Handled
Separate from estate
Debts Assessed
Liabilities reviewed
Estate Distributed
To beneficiaries
Accounts Closed
Process complete
Death Occurs
Process begins
Assets Identified
Bank, investments, property
CPF Handled Separately
Does not follow will
Debts Assessed
Liabilities reviewed
Estate Distributed
To beneficiaries
Accounts Closed
Process complete
Key Understanding: Different assets follow different rules. CPF, insurance with nominations, and jointly-held property may bypass the will entirely.
Understanding how different types of assets are handled after death.
Cash, savings, fixed deposits in your name.
Goes through: Estate
Nomination: No (follows will)
OA, SA, MA, CPF LIFE balances.
Goes through: CPF Nomination or Public Trustee
Nomination: Yes (critical)
Life insurance, accident insurance proceeds.
Goes through: Nominee or Estate
Nomination: Yes (recommended)
Stocks, funds, robo-advisors, brokerage accounts.
Goes through: Estate
Nomination: Some platforms allow
HDB flat, private property, landed.
Goes through: Depends on ownership type
Important: Joint tenancy vs Tenancy-in-common
Company shares, partnerships, sole proprietorship.
Goes through: Estate (complex)
Note: May need business succession plan
CPF savings follow their own rules, separate from your will.
CPF savings identified
Paid directly to nominees
Faster, bypasses estate
Benefit: Nominees receive funds within weeks, not months.
CPF goes to Public Trustee
Distributed under intestacy rules
Delays possible
Risk: Your will does NOT control CPF distribution.
CPF does not follow your will unless nominated.
Life Insurance
Term life, whole life, endowment
Accident Insurance
Personal accident policies
Critical Illness
If claimable before death
Property ownership structure determines how it passes on.
Property owned by one person only.
Result: Goes into estate, distributed via will or intestacy rules.
Common for married couples.
Result: Surviving owner automatically inherits the whole property.
Owners hold distinct shares.
Result: Your share goes into estate, not automatically to co-owner.
Property structure matters more than people realise. Many assume their property will automatically go to their spouse, but this depends entirely on how the property is held. Check your property title to understand your ownership structure.
Common Belief
"Family inherits the debt."
Reality
Debts are paid from the estate, not automatically passed to family.
If there is mortgage protection (HPS or private MRTA), the loan is paid off. Without protection, the estate or co-borrower must continue payments or the property may be sold.
Paid from the estate. If the estate is insufficient, the debt is typically written off (unless there is a guarantor).
Outstanding balance is settled from the estate. Supplementary cardholders are generally not liable for the principal's debt.
Caution: Personal guarantees for business loans can become a liability. The guarantee obligation may pass to the estate.
Key Point: If the estate is insufficient to cover all debts, liabilities are settled up to the estate value. Family members are generally not personally liable for the deceased's unsecured debts.
Obtain death certificate (multiple certified copies)
Secure important documents (will, insurance policies, property titles)
Locate any safe deposit boxes
Notify banks and request account freeze
Notify insurance companies and initiate claims
Notify CPF Board
Check for CPF and insurance nominations
Identify all assets and liabilities
Apply for Grant of Probate (if will exists) or Letters of Administration
Settle outstanding debts from estate
Distribute estate to beneficiaries
Close accounts and cancel subscriptions/utilities
File final tax return (if applicable)
Understanding these issues can help you plan ahead.
CPF goes to Public Trustee instead of intended beneficiaries, causing delays.
Your will does NOT control CPF distribution. CPF requires a separate nomination.
Family struggles to locate bank accounts, investments, and policies.
Using deceased's accounts before proper authorization creates legal issues.
Late notification to banks/insurers can complicate claims process.
Joint tenancy vs tenancy-in-common determines how property passes on.
Foreign assets may require separate probate in that jurisdiction.
No list of accounts, passwords, or instructions creates chaos for family.
Many of these issues can be addressed early with clear legacy and family estate planning.
Today
Clear Nominations
Clear Instructions
Less Stress for Family
Planning is about clarity, not control.
It is about making things easier for the people you care about during a difficult time.
Islamic Legacy Planning
Special considerations for Muslim Singaporeans, including CPF as Hibah, Faraid, and Wasiat.
According to a 2010 Fatwa by the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), CPF nominations are recognized as Hibah (absolute gift) rather than part of the estate.
Key Implication: CPF savings distributed via nomination are treated as a gift, separate from Faraid inheritance distribution. A non-nominated Faraid heir cannot claim CPF savings if they are not named as a nominee.
Faraid is the mandatory Islamic inheritance distribution that applies to a Muslim's estate assets in Singapore.
A Wasiat allows Muslims to allocate up to one-third (1/3) of their estate to non-Faraid beneficiaries or charitable causes.
Clarify family structure and obligations
Understand who your Faraid heirs are and their respective shares.
Make CPF nomination intentionally
Even if you want alignment with Faraid, make a nomination to control distribution and avoid Public Trustee fees.
Review insurance nominations
MUIS also recognizes revocable insurance nomination as Hibah. Ensure nominations reflect your intentions.
Prepare Wasiat where appropriate
If you wish to benefit non-Faraid heirs (up to 1/3 of estate), prepare a valid Wasiat.
Plan for incapacity: LPA + ACP
These tools apply to all Singaporeans regardless of religion.
Document and communicate
Keep a "Legacy Map" accessible and ensure family knows where to find important documents.
If a Muslim Singaporean passes away without a CPF nomination:
Muslim Legacy Planning Resources
Official Singapore resources
This section is informational and should be aligned with religious guidance and professional advice where needed. Please consult with MUIS or qualified Islamic advisors for your specific situation.
What to Expect
A realistic overview of what legacy planning involves.
Good planning is not about complexity. It's about clarity and continuity.
Learn More
Life insurance provides financial protection for your dependents if you pass away. It ensures your family can maintain their lifestyle, pay off debts, fund education, and achieve goals even without your income.
The Life Insurance Association of Singapore suggests a protection gap - the difference between what families need and what they have. Studies show average Singaporeans are underinsured by $200,000-400,000. Dependants Relief System (DRS) provides some CPF protection but is limited.
Income earners with dependents and financial obligations
Protect your loved ones from financial hardship
Risks your family may face
How we protect your family
Rule of thumb: 10-12x annual income. More precise: calculate total family needs minus existing resources.
Term is cost-effective for pure protection. Whole life includes savings but costs more. Most people need both.
Coverage until youngest child is financially independent, debts are paid, or spouse can self-support.
Coverage should be 10-12x annual income as a starting point, then adjust for your specific situation
Review coverage when dependents change - marriage, children, elderly parents
Term insurance is most cost-effective for pure protection - maximize this first
Consider decreasing term for mortgage coverage as loan reduces over time
Do not let existing coverage lapse before new coverage is in force
Disclose all medical history honestly - non-disclosure can void claims
Calculate your family's annual expenses x years needed, plus debts, minus existing resources. We can help you calculate your specific number.
Both have roles. Term for high coverage at low cost. Whole life for permanent needs like estate planning. Most people need a combination.
You may still need coverage for debts, funeral expenses, or to leave a legacy. Coverage needs are lower but not zero.
PM us to build a clear, private legacy roadmap that aligns CPF nominations, insurance nominations, family needs, and business continuity.