What is the witnessing / signing of the Will process like?
After the draft Will PDF is generated, it is still only a draft until it is printed out (in hardcopy) and signed by the Testator in the presence of 2 witnesses [who themselves also sign on the document]. While the consultation process with the Certified Estate Planner (CEPs) explicitly excludes the signing/witnessing of the Will, some CEPs do provide that extra assistance.
The Signing Instructions can also be found on Page 2 of the Will.
In case you are interested to find out more in detail:
- Have the Testator read through to make sure that the Will accurately reflects his/her wishes.
In Singapore, the Testator must have had knowledge of the contents of the will at the time of its execution (i.e. at the signing of the Will). If the Testator did not understand English, a translator can be present too to explain the contents of the Will to the Testator. The translator's details (if applicable) can be filled in on the subsequent pages.
- Sign this Will in Singapore. If you are signing outside of Singapore, ensure that you also comply to the country's internal laws on the validity of Will.
- Print out the Will and have the Testator / Witnesses sign on all pages TOGETHER in the presence of 2 witnesses [Digital signatures / e-signatures are not allowed. The Will has to be printed out in hardcopy and physically signed (e.g. using a pen) by the Testator / Witnesses.]
Take note that signing TOGETHER means it has to be in the same setting (i.e. the Testator and 2 witnesses are physically with each other when they sign the document.) It CANNOT be staggered (e.g. the Testator signs first at his house, then the document is sent over to the first witness at another place to sign etc.) but instead have to be signed TOGETHER.
- The witnesses need not be lawyers/doctors/psychiatrists. The only requirement to be witnesses to the Will is that witnesses MUST be at least 21 years old and MUST NOT be beneficiaries nor the spouses of beneficiaries. The term "beneficiaries" includes all beneficiaries, trust beneficiaries, remainder beneficiaries, and any substitutes for these beneficiaries in the Will. The date of Signing and the details of the 2 Witnesses are to be included within the Will itself in the latter pages.
The witnesses do not need to read the Will in order to sign off as a witness. The primary function of the witness is to witness the testator signing the Will. Other than the testator, the witnesses nor anyone else needs to know of the content inside for the Will to be valid.
- Destroy all outdated Wills
This is to prevent the outdated Will from being used instead.