Given the amount of press coverage on family feud over inheritance distribution, it is no surprise that many are seeking to insert special clause to prevent their family dirty laundry being aired publicly.
Quoting ST: “Some top legacy lawyers here help their wealthy clients write special clauses in wills, stating that if any of the beneficiaries were to contest the will, they would receive nothing.”
Does it work? Given that Singapore courts have yet to hear cases involving such clause, shows that such can be effective to make any beneficiaries think twice before making a fuss over will content, and deter litigation over distribution. That being said, it is good practice to state in your will should you intend to have a jarring unequal distribution or exclusion from your asset. You can indicate that you have considered your plausible beneficiaries A, B and/or C, and you do not wish to give them anything, because of XXX.
Such clause gives clarity to your intention when you are no longer around, and may prevent contention from the grieving party.
It is also important to consider contingent clause in your will. Many couples write simple wills that designate each other as executor and beneficiary to the asset. In event that your other half dies before you, the will is no longer valid. Thus, the contingent clause will help you to mitigate this risk, by specifying who is the contingent beneficiary in event that your main beneficiary dies before you.
There are many free will templates available online, and one can whip up a simple will through ChatGPT. But if you really want to distribute your asset well, do consult a lawyer or certified estate planner. You spend lifetime building your wealth. Will a FREE WILL be good enough to distribute your wealth according to your wishes in smooth order?
Sometimes, good things in life are free. Many times, it doesn’t.
