Can a person who is unable to read or understand English do up a Will?
Clients who is unable to read or understand English can still do up a Will.
In Singapore, it is essential for the Testator (the person making the Will) to have knowledge of the contents of the Will at the time of its execution, which means during the signing of the Will. If the Testator does not understand English, a translator can be present to explain the contents of the Will to the Testator. You will need to tick the translator box on the final signing page of the printed Will and fill in the translator details.
The Certified Estate Planner (CEP) or anyone, such as a relative, (adult) child, beneficiary, or executor, can accompany the client and act as the translator. As long as the Testator is of sound mind (e.g. has the mental capacity to make a Will), not under undue influence, and acknowledges that the Will accurately reflects his/her wishes, anyone can fulfil the role of translator.
There are no formal criteria to be a translator in the Will (e.g. translation certification/qualification), so long as the translator is proficient in English and the language read to the Testator.
If the client understands English but is unable to read (i.e. illiterate in the English language), under "Language/dialect translated in:" you can put in instead:
Read aloud in English to the testator who comprehends spoken English but cannot read it.
The final Will must be printed out in hardcopy and signed by the Testator in the presence of two witnesses. These witnesses must be above the age of 21 and cannot be beneficiaries or spouses of any beneficiaries. These requirements are also stated in our generated Will, specifically on the signing instruction on page 2 and the Testator declaration on the final witnessing page.