Will-writing & probate (category guide)

A Singapore will moves local bank, brokerage, and condo assets; it does not move CPF — that needs a separate CPF nomination (or Public Trustee distribution if none exists). Online templates are weak for cross-border assets, minor guardianship, or foreign marriage/divorce histories; budget a solicitor consult when those apply. After death, Singapore banks usually freeze accounts until they see a Singapore grant of probate or letters of administration — a home-country grant alone often needs resealing or a fresh local application. Keep an asset list and executor contacts where your next-of-kin can find them; embassy repatriation logistics are a parallel rail. Pair will-writing with lasting power of attorney / advance medical directive planning while capacity is clear. Notary and apostille services help authenticate documents for foreign courts but do not replace a Singapore-qualified draftsman. This is a category guide, not a ranked firm list — verify counsel against the Ministry of Law directory and read CPF nomination rules yourself. Family ops note: guardian conversations often surface after school award season — schedule counsel slots after speech day, not in the car park argument.