Who Can Be an Executor of a Will in Singapore?

An executor of a Will in Singapore is the person legally appointed to manage the deceased’s estate, apply for the Grant of Probate, and distribute assets according to the Will. Executors must be over 21 years old, mentally sound, and trustworthy. You can appoint more than one executor, including family members, beneficiaries, or a lawyer to ensure the estate is handled professionally.

When writing a Will in Singapore, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your executor — the person responsible for carrying out your wishes after your death.
The executor plays a key legal role in managing and distributing your estate, ensuring all debts are settled and assets are passed on to your beneficiaries according to your Will.

This guide explains who can be an executor of a Will in Singapore, what their duties are, and how to choose the right person for the role.

Key Takeaways

• An executor is responsible for applying for the Grant of Probate and managing the estate.

• Executors must be at least 21 years old and of sound mind.

• You can appoint more than one executor, but they must work together in agreement.

• Executors can also be beneficiaries of your Will.

• Choosing a lawyer or professional executor ensures impartiality and legal compliance.

What Does an Executor Do?

An executor’s duties start immediately after your death and include:

1. Applying for the Grant of Probate

• The executor files an application to the Family Justice Courts to obtain legal authority to manage your estate.

• Learn more about the process here: How Long Does Probate Take in Singapore?.

2. Managing and Protecting Assets

• Executors are responsible for identifying, collecting, and safeguarding the estate’s assets (e.g., property, bank accounts, investments).

3. Paying Debts and Taxes

• All outstanding liabilities, including debts, income tax, or funeral expenses, must be paid before any distributions.

4. Distributing the Estate

• Executors ensure the assets are distributed according to the Will, keeping detailed records of every transaction.

5. Communicating with Beneficiaries

• Executors must keep beneficiaries informed throughout the process to avoid disputes or misunderstandings.

Who Can Be an Executor in Singapore?

You can appoint almost anyone you trust, provided they meet the following legal requirements:

Requirement	Description
Age	Must be at least 21 years old
Mental Capacity	Must be of sound mind and able to act responsibly
Residency	Preferably resides in Singapore for easier estate administration
Trustworthiness	Should be dependable, impartial, and capable of managing finances

Common Executor Choices

• Spouse or Adult Children – Most commonly chosen for family estates.

• Trusted Relatives or Friends – Suitable if they are responsible and organized.

Lawyers or Professional Executors – Ideal for large or complex estates, ensuring legal compliance and neutrality.

Can Beneficiaries Be Executors Too?

Yes. In Singapore, it’s common for beneficiaries (e.g., a spouse or child) to also serve as executors. However, they must act impartially and manage the estate according to the Will — not personal interests.

Can You Appoint More Than One Executor?

Yes, you may appoint up to four executors.
This provides a safeguard in case one executor is unable or unwilling to act. However, multiple executors must act jointly — meaning all must agree before any estate decisions are made.

A common approach is to appoint one main executor and one substitute to act if the main executor is unavailable.

What If There’s No Executor Named in the Will?

If a Will doesn’t name an executor, or the executor cannot act (due to death or incapacity), the court will appoint an administrator under the Grant of Letters of Administration with Will annexed. This person is usually a close family member.

Why Appoint a Lawyer as Executor

While appointing family is common, there are benefits to appointing a lawyer or professional executor, especially for high-value or complex estates:

• Neutral, unbiased decision-making

• Full compliance with legal and tax obligations

• Professional recordkeeping and accounting

• Faster probate application and estate distribution

Appoint the Right Executor with YY Lee & Associates LLC

Choosing your executor is one of the most important parts of estate planning. At YY Lee & Associates LLC, our team helps you draft Wills and appoint the right executors to protect your family’s future.

📞 Call us: +65 8780 2499
📷 Instagram: @yylee_familylaw

FAQ

• Can an executor refuse to act?

  Yes. Executors can choose to renounce their role before applying for probate. The next named executor or a court-appointed administrator will take over.

• Can I change my executor after writing my Will?

  Yes. You can update your Will anytime to replace or add executors. Ensure the new Will revokes previous versions.

• What happens if the executor dies before me?

  You should name at least one substitute executor in your Will to prevent delays in estate administration.

• Can a foreigner be my executor?

  Yes, but it may complicate estate management due to logistical and legal constraints. A Singapore-based executor is generally more practical.

• Do I need a lawyer to act as executor?

  Not necessarily, but engaging a probate lawyer ensures legal compliance, timely filing, and stress-free estate management.