Updating your Will After Marriage or Divorce in Singapore

Life in Singapore changes quickly, and your estate plans should evolve accordingly. According to data from the Department of Statistics Singapore, 26,328 marriages were registered in 2024, while 7,382 divorces and annulments took place. These figures highlight how frequently residents undergo major life transitions each year.

Such changes can directly affect how you wish to distribute your assets or who you want to appoint as your executor. For anyone who has created an online Will in Singapore, it is essential to review and update your Will to ensure it accurately reflects your current circumstances.

This article explains when and how to update your Will after marriage or divorce, helping you keep your estate plan aligned with your present needs and intentions.

Why Marriage or Divorce Warrants a Will Review

When you marry in Singapore, any prior Will is automatically revoked under the Wills Act 1838, unless it was explicitly made in contemplation of that marriage. In practical terms, this means your existing Will becomes void, and you will need to create a new one. Marriage may also bring shared assets—such as property, joint bank accounts, or CPF nominations—and your spouse often becomes a primary beneficiary or executor.

In the event of a final divorce, any provisions in your Will that benefit your former spouse—such as gifts or appointments as executor—are automatically revoked under the Wills Act. While the remainder of your Will generally stays valid, it is still strongly advisable to update it so that it reflects your current wishes and family situation.

Failing to update your Will after marriage or divorce can result in unintended consequences, such as leaving children or current partners unprotected, or allowing outdated instructions on executors or guardians to remain in place. Life changes—and your Will should reflect who you are today, not who you were when you first wrote it.

How Changing Family Trends in Singapore Affects Wills

Recent data show shifting trends in marriage and divorce in Singapore. According to Channel News Asia, the number of marriages in 2024 fell by 7% compared to the previous year, while divorces increased.

Meanwhile, as of April 2025, over 153,000 Will details have been deposited with the official registry maintained by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). This growing number indicates that more Singapore residents recognize the importance of having a valid estate plan that their loved ones or executors can easily access.

When You Should Update Your Will

Reviewing and updating your Will is especially important after:

• Marriage - to include spouse as beneficiary or executor, acknowledge shared assets, or set guardianship plans for children.
• Divorce or annulment - to remove ex‑spouse from beneficiary or executor roles, revise guardianship, or redistribute assets appropriately.
• Having children or dependents - to appoint guardians and allocate inheritance shares.
• Acquiring or disposing of major assets - such as property, business shares, investments, or digital assets. This is to ensure your assets are correctly listed and their beneficiaries updated.
• Moving abroad - This may affect the succession laws applicable to your estate, making it essential to review and update your Will to avoid complications during the probate process.

If any of these apply, using a reliable online Will service in Singapore can make updating easier, quicker, and more cost‑effective than drafting a Will from scratch.

How to Update Your Will Properly

For those who used a Will writing service in Singapore, the process typically involves:

1. Log in to your account and adjust beneficiaries, executors, guardians, and asset lists to reflect current circumstances.
2. Any changes to your Will should be formally signed. In accordance with the Wills Act, two witnesses should be present during the process, and they cannot be beneficiaries or the spouses of beneficiaries because that’s how the witnessing process works.
3. Optionally, store your Will with us at NobleWills in our fireproof storage facility.
4. Inform relevant parties (executor, family members, guardians) about the update and where the most recent version is stored.

Updating with a reputable online Will writing platform in Singapore reduces friction. This way, you avoid scheduling with a lawyer, work at your own pace, and save time and cost compared to traditional legal services.

Updating Would Require a New Will

Creating a new Will with each update is the safer option, as it helps avoid potentially ambiguous wording that can arise when using a codicil attached to an existing Will. Using an online will-writing service in Singapore can simplify this process, making it easier to create a new, clear, and legally valid Will whenever updates are needed.

Update Your Will with Ease!

Keeping your Will up to date after major life events, such as marriage or divorce, ensures that your estate plan reflects your true intentions. Regularly reviewing your Will helps prevent unintended inheritance, protects your loved ones, and provides clear guidance for your executors. Using a reliable online will-writing service in Singapore makes this process faster, more convenient, and more affordable than traditional methods.

At NobleWills, we provide a secure, user-friendly platform that lets you create, update, and manage your Will anytime. With guided steps, expert support via chat, and unlimited updates, you can keep your estate plan accurate and aligned with your changing circumstances. Create a free account today to get started!