Newly Married – Combining Finances, Naming Beneficiaries, and Planning Together in Singapore.

“Everything will go to my spouse, right?”

Not always. And that false belief is one of the biggest and most painful financial mistakes newlyweds in Singapore are still making today.

After the wedding dinner is done and your BTO is finally progressing, most couples shift into routine — combining finances, starting savings plans and dreaming about the future. However, there’s a practical side of love that’s often ignored.

Marriage comes with legal and financial responsibilities — avoiding them can leave your spouse unprotected, especially when it comes to inheritance and estate planning in Singapore.

If you’ve been wondering how to make a will in Singapore, or think your partner will just automatically inherit everything — this article is your wake-up call.

1. Combining Finances Isn’t Just About Joint Bank Accounts

Yes, joint savings accounts and shared budgeting apps are helpful — but if you stop there, you’re missing the big picture.

What happens to those assets if something happens to one of you?

In Singapore,marital assets might not automatically go to the surviving spouse unless explicitly stated in your will. If you haven’t written or updated your will after marriage, the law may split your estate not just to your partner — but to your parents as well.

This isn’t just hypothetical. 

According to a 2022 CNA report, nearly 60% of married Singaporeans don’t have a will, believing it’s “not urgent” or “too complicated.” And worse? Many don’t even talk to their partner about it. They assumed marriage equals automatic inheritance.

Estate planning in Singapore isn’t just about who gets what — it’s about preventing family disputes, legal delays, and unnecessary emotional pain.

2.  “He Confirm Leave Everything to Me” – Are You Sure?

Let’s say you’ve done your will, but your husband hasn’t. Suddenly, tragedy strikes, he passes away unexpectedly. Now because there’s no will, his assets are split — and you’re negotiating inheritance with your in-laws.

So, does a spouse automatically inherit everything in Singapore? The answer is no — not without a will.

Under the Intestate Succession Act, if a married person dies without a will, 50% of their estate will go to the surviving spouse, and the remaining 50% will go to their parents. This means the surviving spouse may not inherit everything unless the will specifically states so.

3. Nomination vs Wills — What’s the Difference?

Most Singaporeans are shocked to learn this: Your CPF savings are not covered under your will.

That’s right. You need to separately nominate your CPF beneficiaries via the CPF Board website. Otherwise, CPF money will also be distributed under intestacy laws — again, possibly leaving your spouse with less than expected.

Always review and update these nominations when your life circumstances change — such as after marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

4. Estate Planning in Singapore - The Newlyweds’ Survival Checklist

No matter your age, here’s your starter guide to getting your legal and financial life together:

1. Sit down with your partner: Discuss how you want your assets divided, including between each other and your extended families.
2. Write or update your wills: This is the only way to legally ensure your wishes are followed.
3.  Nominate beneficiaries: CPF— they all need clear beneficiaries.
4. Engage a professional: Services like Sure Will One help you skip the jargon and ensure that your estate distribution is clear and sound.
5. Review your plan regularly: Marriage, property purchases, children, or even falling out with someone — all are major life events to review your will.

 

5. Hard Truth: Your Marriage Certificate Isn’t a Protection Plan

 

It’s a painful reality — but it must be said.

Your wedding certificate is a declaration of love. But it’s not a shield.

Too many Singaporean spouses assume that being legally married means they’re automatically entitled to “everything.” 

However, when the unexpected happens, reality bites.

Without estate planning:

• Your spouse could lose access to joint accounts
  
• Legal battles could tear families apart
  
• Property sales could be delayed for months (or years)

One Singaporean woman shared online how she couldn't sell their HDB flat after her husband's death — simply because no will existed, and his share had to be split legally with his parents.

If you wouldn’t leave your HDB or condo application to chance, why would you risk leaving your entire life’s savings unprotected?

Final Thoughts: Marriage Is a Partnership — So Is Planning

Marriage is about building a life — but also about protecting it.

Writing your will and planning your estate might not feel romantic, but it’s one of the most powerful acts of love you can offer. It shows your partner that you’ve thought ahead — not just about life together, but about their security if the worst ever happens.

So the next time someone says, “You’ve done your will already or not?” — don’t laugh it off.

Do it properly. Do it together.

Because love may last forever, but your money and property? Only if you plan for it.

Start your estate planning journey today with Sure Will One.