What Happens If I Die Without a Will in Singapore?

Mark Cheng
Jun 15, 2025
3 min read

No one likes to think about death. But what happens to your assets if you pass away without a will in Singapore?

If you die intestate (without a valid will), your estate will be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act 1967. This may not reflect your wishes, and it could cause unnecessary delays or disputes among your loved ones.

In this article, we explain what happens when someone dies without a will in Singapore, who gets what, and why it’s important to plan ahead.

What Is Intestacy?

Intestacy occurs when:

A person dies without a valid will, or
Their will is found to be invalid (e.g., not properly signed or witnessed)

In such cases, the law decides how the estate is distributed, not the deceased's personal preferences.

Who Inherits If There’s No Will?

Distribution under Singapore’s Intestate Succession Act 1967 depends on the surviving family members. Here's a simplified guide:

Scenario 1: Spouse Only (No children, no parents)

Spouse receives 100% of the estate

Scenario 2: Spouse + Children

Spouse: 50%
Children (shared equally): 50%

Scenario 3: Spouse + Parents (no children)

Spouse: 50%
Parents: 50% (shared equally)

Scenario 4: Children Only (No spouse)

Children share 100% equally

Scenario 5: Parents Only (No spouse, no children)

Parents share 100% equally

Note: Illegitimate children may not be entitled under the Act unless legally adopted or legitimised.

For Muslims, Syariah law applies instead. Your estate will be distributed according to the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 and Islamic inheritance rules (faraid).

What Assets Are Affected?

The law governs the distribution of assets such as:

Bank accounts
Real property (e.g. HDB flat or condo)
Shares and investments
CPF (under certain conditions)
Personal belongings and valuables

Not automatically included:

CPF savings: These go to your CPF-nominated beneficiaries. If no nomination is made, they are distributed under intestacy rules.
Joint accounts or jointly-owned properties may pass to the surviving owner depending on how they are held (e.g., joint tenancy vs tenancy-in-common).

Who Manages the Estate?

If there's no will, no executor is named, so someone must apply to court to be the administrator of the estate.

Here’s the general process:

Step 1: Apply for Letters of Administration

A family member (usually the spouse or eldest child) applies to the Family Justice Courts. They will need:

Death certificate
List of assets and liabilities
Names of next-of-kin
Administration bond (in some cases)

Step 2: Distribute the Estate

Once appointed, the administrator must:

Settle debts and taxes
Distribute the remaining assets according to the Intestate Succession Act

Common Problems Without a Will

Dying intestate can create several complications:

Delays in accessing bank accounts and selling property
Family disputes over entitlements
Children left without a legal guardian
Unmarried partners or stepchildren may receive nothing
Additional legal costs and emotional stress

Example:

Mr. Tan dies suddenly without a will. He is survived by his wife, two young children, and an elderly father. A dispute arises between his wife and father about the estate, delaying distribution by months.

Why You Should Make a Will

Making a valid will helps you:

Decide who gets what
Appoint a trusted executor
Name a guardian for minor children
Minimise delays and costs
Avoid unnecessary disputes

Even a simple will can save your loved ones stress and uncertainty.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t make a will, the law decides what happens to your estate, not you. While the Intestate Succession Act 1967 provides a framework, it may not reflect your personal wishes or unique family situation.

Creating a will is one of the simplest ways to protect your family, preserve your legacy, and avoid future conflict.

Need Help Making a Will?

We help individuals and families plan ahead with simple, legally sound wills. Let’s make sure your wishes are carried out, and your loved ones are protected.

Schedule a confidential consultation or email us at mc@markchenglaw.com to get started.