Choosing Guardians and Securing Your Child’s Future

“If something happens to me, my kids will be taken care of… right?”

Many Singaporean parents assume so, until tragedy proves otherwise.

The truth? If you pass away without making proper legal arrangements, your children may not automatically inherit your assets and worse,  the person who raised them might not be the one you would’ve chosen.

For example, imagine this: A parent passes away suddenly, leaving behind young children who are still in primary school and under the age of 21. 

 

Because the parent didn’t write a will, the children cannot directly inherit their bank savings, insurance payouts, or other assets.

Without a legally appointed guardian or trustee, the children’s financial support is delayed or complicated, leaving their future uncertain and vulnerable.

This example shows why proper estate planning is crucial especially when you have young dependents who rely entirely on you.

 

Why Writing a Will in Singapore Is Not Optional for Parents

Here’s the hard truth:
If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed under the Intestate Succession Act Singapore — and this law doesn’t consider your intentions, only a fixed order of who inherits what. It doesn’t matter how much you love your kids or how obvious it seems to you.

Worse still, children under 21 cannot directly inherit assets.

Yes, you read that right, even if you want your entire estate to go to your kids, they won’t get it immediately. Instead, a guardian or trustee will be appointed to hold the money until they turn 21.

Remember: your CPF savings aren’t covered under your will. You need to nominate your CPF beneficiaries separately via the CPF Board.

And here’s the scary part:

If you didn’t legally appoint a guardian, the court may assign someone — maybe an estranged relative or in-law you wouldn’t even trust with your kopi order — to raise your children and manage their inheritance.

Who Decides on Child Custody When You’re Gone?

If you don’t appoint a legal guardian in your will, the court will decide who raises your children — and while close relatives like grandparents are often considered, the court’s main concern is your child’s welfare. 

This means even elderly grandparents may be appointed over a godparent, unless you’ve made your wishes clear in your will.

A survey by the Ministry of Law previously revealed that less than 20% of Singaporeans have written a will — a shockingly low number considering the emotional and financial consequences of dying without one. 

Many delay the process, thinking they’re “still young” or “not rich enough,” but life doesn’t always give a heads-up.

How to Choose a Guardian (and Avoid Family Drama)

Choosing a legal guardian isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a life decision. Ask yourself:

• Who shares the same parenting values as you?
  
• Are they financially and emotionally stable?
  
• Would your kids feel safe and loved with them?
  
• Are they willing to take on the responsibility?
  
  

Tip: Have this conversation with your spouse, and most importantly get their agreement in writing through your will.

Don’t just say, “My brother will handle it.”

Say, “In the event of our death, we appoint [Full Name, NRIC] as the guardian of our children.”

If you don’t write this down, your wishes may not be followed.

 

The 5-Step Guardian Planning Checklist for Parents in Singapore

1. Have The Talk: Sit down with your partner and decide who you trust to raise your kids.
   
2. Write or Update Your Will: Don’t leave it to chance or default laws.
   
3. Name a Guardian Clearly: Full name, NRIC, and ideally with a backup.
   
4. Nominate Beneficiaries Separately: Your CPF savings must be nominated via the CPF Board. They’re not covered under your will.
   
5. Review Every 3 Years: Life changes fast — so should your will.

Final Thought: Love Your Kids? Plan for Them.

We insure our homes, our phones, even our travel luggage.
But when it comes to our children’s future, too many parents delay the most important step — writing a will and naming a guardian.

Don’t assume the system will take care of your kids.

Don’t assume your spouse or parents can sort everything out smoothly.
Don’t wait until it’s too late — because when tragedy strikes, the last thing your children need is a custody battle or financial uncertainty.

Be the parent who planned ahead.
Be the parent who didn’t leave things to chance.

Need help with will writing in Singapore?
Sure Will One — your trusted local partner to simplify the legal jargon and secure your family’s future.