When someone dies without leaving a valid will in Singapore, their estate is distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act. This means the law determines who inherits the deceased person’s assets instead of their personal wishes. This situation is known as dying “intestate”. Understanding how intestacy works can help families avoid confusion and disputes when managing a loved one’s estate.
What Does Dying Intestate Mean?
A person dies intestate when they pass away without leaving a valid will. In Singapore, the distribution of their assets is governed by the Intestate Succession Act. This law sets out a fixed order of inheritance and determines who receives the estate.
Who Inherits If There Is No Will in Singapore?
The Intestate Succession Act provides a clear order of inheritance.
If the deceased leaves a spouse but no children, the spouse receives the entire estate.
If the deceased leaves both a spouse and children, the spouse receives half of the estate and the children share the remaining half equally.
If there is no spouse but there are children, the children inherit the entire estate equally.
If there are no spouse or children, the estate may pass to parents, siblings or other relatives.