WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PERSON DIES WITHOUT A WILL?

If you die without a will, it means you have died “intestate.” When this happens, the intestacy laws in Singapore will determine how your property is distributed upon your death. This includes any money, properties, bank accounts, securities, real estate, and other assets you own at the time of death.

The law of intestacy in Singapore vary greatly depending on whether you were single or married, or had children. In most cases, your property will be distributed to your next of kin which could include your surviving spouse, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles. Generally, when no relatives can be found, the entire estate goes to the state.

Section 7 of the Intestate Succession Act tells you how the deceased’s estate is distributed to his survivors if there was no Will. The administrator of the estate must follow these Rules. The Rules are as follows:

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If you have only a spouse (but no children, no parents)

Your spouse gets everything.

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If you have a spouse and children

Your spouse will get half of your assets and your children will get the other half in equal proportions.

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If you have only children (but no spouse)

Your children get everything in equal shares.

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If you have a spouse and parents (but no children)

Your spouse gets half and your parents get the other half in equal shares.

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If you have only parents (but no spouse and no children)

Your parents get everything in equal shares.

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If you have only brothers and sisters (but no spouse, no children and no parents)

Your brothers and sisters (or children of the deceased brother or sister) get everything in equal shares.

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If you have only grandparents (but no spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters or children of deceased brother and sister)

Your grandparents get everything in equal shares.

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If you only have uncles and aunts (but no spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters or children of deceased brother and sister and no grandparents)

Your uncles and aunts take everything in equal shares.

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Don’t Delay: Get Your Estate Planning Done

If you want your estate to go to someone you have specifically chosen, and not according to the Intestate Succession Act, you should get your Will done. At PKWA Law, we have helped many individuals and families to plan their will. Call us today at 6854-5336 and give yourself peace of mind.

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