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In Serangoon, Singapore, Will & Testament law falls under the purview of the Wills Act under Singapore's Statutes. This law regulates how a person, known as a testator, may bequeath their assets upon their death. It sets forth the requirements for a will to be valid, such as age of the testator, number of witnesses, and the mental state of the testator. Unlike some jurisdictions, Singapore's law does not recognize oral wills.
While drafting a will might seem like a straightforward task, aspects like ensuring the will's language clearly expresses your intentions, understanding the implications on estate tax, and managing complex arrangements like trusts often require professional expertise. For example, if you have substantial assets, multiple beneficiaries, or a complex family situation, a lawyer can help avoid potential disputes. A lawyer can also ensure your will is legally valid and that your instructions are executed upon your death.
In Serangoon, the Wills Act applies. Notably, the testator must be at least 21 years old, and the will must be committed to writing. Two or more competent witnesses, neither of whom stand to benefit from the Will, must witness and sign the document. Moreover, the testator must be of sound mind at the time of the will's execution. The law also allows for a will's revocation or alteration under certain conditions. If a will is deemed invalid, the rules of intestacy will apply.
Although you can technically draft your own will, it's advisable to seek a lawyer’s help to avoid legal ambiguities and ensure it meets all legal requirements.
If an individual dies without a will (intestate), the Intestate Succession Act applies, distributing assets based on specified familial relationships.
Your will can be contested in court if a party believes it's invalid for reasons like duress, fraud, improper execution, or lack of mental capacity at the time of drafting.
An executor can be anyone you trust to carry out your will's instructions. They could be a family member, friend, or a professional like a lawyer.
Yes, a will can be altered or revoked during your lifetime as long as you're mentally sound. A lawyer can help ensure these changes are legally valid.
Seek information from governmental bodies and legal groups such as the Singapore Academy of Law and the Ministry of Law for assistance in this field. Reading up legal guides offered by these authorities can also be very helpful.
If you require professional assistance in matters of Will & Testament in Serangoon, your first step should be to get in touch with a reputable lawyer specializing in this field. Prepare a rough inventory of your assets and a list of intended beneficiaries to provide a clear picture to your lawyer and to speed up the process of drafting your will.
