When planning your estate, making a will is just the first step. What often gets overlooked is where to store your will after it’s written and signed. And yet, this decision is just as important, after all, if no one can find your will when the time comes, your wishes might not be honoured.
So, where should you store your will in Singapore to ensure it’s both safe and easy to access when needed? In this article, we’ll help you understand your options, the legal considerations involved, and why the storage location could make all the difference for your loved ones later on.
1. Keep It At Home
Keeping your will at home is perhaps the simplest and most convenient option. It gives you easy access and control, which some people find reassuring. But convenience comes with responsibility. If you’re going down this route, don’t just tuck your will into a drawer or between old documents.
Instead, store it in a fireproof and waterproof safe, ideally one that’s securely fixed to the wall or floor. This helps protect the document from disasters like fire, flooding, or theft. You’ll also need to inform your executor or a trusted family member where the will is located and how to access it.
But be aware, keeping it at home does carry risks. The will could get lost during a house move, damaged over time, or even thrown out by mistake. In more unfortunate situations, someone with ill intentions could remove or destroy it, especially in cases involving Divorce or disputes over inheritance. So while it’s doable, it’s only suitable if you’re confident the document will remain safe and untouched.
2. Store It With Your Lawyer
Storing your will with the lawyer who drafted it is a popular and secure option in Singapore. Law firms typically have designated safes or secure vaults designed to keep legal documents protected for years.
The benefit here is clear: family lawyers understand how important the original will is and are equipped to store it safely. Also, if something happens to you, your family or executor can easily contact the law firm to retrieve it, especially if the firm is already assisting with the estate administration.
Just remember to let your executor or a close family member know the name of the law firm, the lawyer in charge, and how to contact them. Without this information, your family might not know where to begin when they need the will.
3. Deposit It With The Wills Registry
Singapore offers a unique service through the Wills Registry, which is managed by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). This isn’t a place to store the will itself, but rather a record of key information, such as when the will was made, who prepared it, and most importantly, where the original is stored.
This registry doesn’t open or review the contents of your will. Its sole purpose is to help your executor or loved ones locate your will after your death. It’s especially useful if you’re worried that your family might not know where to find it or whom to contact.
Registration is entirely voluntary, but highly recommended. You can submit the information yourself or have your lawyer do it on your behalf. For a small fee, the peace of mind it brings is well worth it. When someone passes away, their next of kin can apply to search the Registry to find out where the will is kept, saving time, money, and confusion.
4. Use A Safe Deposit Box
If you’re particularly concerned about theft or natural disasters, a safe deposit box at a bank offers a high level of physical security. Banks have strict controls and environmental protections in place, which can give you a great sense of assurance.
However, there’s a significant consideration to be aware of: access restrictions after death. In Singapore, safe deposit boxes are usually sealed once the bank is notified of the account holder’s death. If your original will is inside and no one else has authorised access, your family might not be able to retrieve it without a Court order, which can delay probate and increase legal costs.
If you choose this option, it’s essential that your executor or a trusted individual has joint access or legal authority to open the box when the time comes. Alternatively, you could keep a note inside the box directing them to the actual location of the will (assuming it’s stored elsewhere, more accessible).
Who Should Know Where Your Will Is Stored?
It’s essential that your executor, and perhaps a close family member or friend, knows where your will is stored. Otherwise, even if you’ve chosen a safe location, it may go undiscovered when it matters most. Communication is key.
Also, avoid keeping your will with someone who might benefit unfairly from its disappearance, especially in Divorce or complex family situations. Always keep things transparent.
Can You Store A Copy Instead Of The Original?
While it’s a good idea to have copies, only the original will can be submitted for probate in Singapore. A copy can be used to apply for probate under certain conditions, but it’s far more complicated and may require additional evidence. The safest route is to make sure the original is secure and accessible.
Conclusion About Storing Your Will
Making a will is about giving your loved ones peace of mind. But that peace can disappear quickly if no one knows where your will is stored or how to retrieve it. Choosing the right storage option and informing the right people ensures your wishes are respected.
At Tembusu Law, we not only help you draft your will but also guide you on the safest and most practical way to store it. With some of the best criminal lawyers and family lawyers in Singapore, we’re here to protect your interests every step of the way.
Contact us today to ensure your will is secure, accessible, and recognised by the Court when the time comes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Your Will
Can You Store Your Will At Home?
Yes, but it must be kept in a fireproof and waterproof container. Make sure your executor knows exactly where it is and can access it without issue.
What Happens If No One Can Find Your Will?
If the original will can’t be located, the Court may assume there was no valid will and proceed with distributing your estate according to Singapore’s intestacy laws.
Is It Safe To Store A Will In A Safe Deposit Box?
While secure, safe deposit boxes can be sealed upon death and require a Court order to open, unless someone else has legal access. Use this method with caution.
Should You Tell Your Family Where Your Will Is Stored?
Absolutely. At least your executor and one trusted person should know where to find the will and how to retrieve it.
What Is The Wills Registry In Singapore?
It’s a government service that records where your will is stored and who prepared it. It does not keep the will itself, but helps locate it later.
