Will Writing FAQ

Will Writing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: What are the differences between what you offer and what is available in the market?

Ans: There are self-proclaimed professional will-writers in the market who use a template and do not tailor to your unique needs. They usually claim that a Will need not be drafted by a lawyer and that's true. However, we always say that a Will is the only legal document whereby the Court cannot summon the testator or testatrix from six foot underground back up to clarify his or her intentions. In other words, the Will is all that the Court can rely on to second guess the testator's or testatrix's intentions!

- The last thing you want is a Will that cannot carry out your intentions the way you wanted, i.e. an invalid or ineffective Will.
- The same goes for those free templates that can be downloaded from the internet. Many of these are based on UK or US laws, which may not be applicable in Singapore!
  - Finally, there are law firms who advertise their services at very competitive rates. However, you have to check with them whether you are getting any advice from them, and whether the Wills can be customized to your unique needs.
  - Here at The Legacy Protector Pte Ltd, we pride ourselves by giving you the best of both worlds - a professionally-drafted Will plus valuable consultation to tailor the Will to suit your needs.
  - In fact, we believe our Standard TLP Package is the best value in the market.

Q2. So what does your Standard TLP Package include?

Ans: While some templates or even law firms stop at Tier 1 Beneficiary, our Standard TLP Package allows you to go down to three (3) levels of giving. For example, most Wills stop at giving to spouse & children (Tier 1) - our Standard TLP Package goes beyond that, providing for 2nd tier where either spouse or child(ren) has (have) passed away at the time of execution of the Will, and even 3rd tier of giving where the whole family perishes at the same time.

- - We also allow for up to three (3) specific gifts clauses (optional) in the Will.
  - Finally, we are the only company that provides a Complimentary First Session* for you to find out more if you really require a Will!
  - *If you wish to proceed to Stage 2 to write your will, we will require you to place a SGD50/- deposit at the end of the first session. You don't have to pay if you do not wish to continue with the will-writing.

Q3. How much is your Standard TLP Package?

Ans: Our price for writing a single Will is $400/- per person.

- - For husband & wife writing their Wills together, there will be a combo discount. Ask us for more information.
  - There is NO GST, i.e. prices quoted are net.

Q4. Why are you able to charge such competitive prices?

Ans: Writing a Will with a lawyer normally costs about $500 upwards and you will need to meet up with the lawyer at least 2 times: the 1st time for gathering facts, after which the lawyer will prepare the draft and the 2nd time to go through the draft and sign the finalized version. Some of the larger law firms charge by billable hour and hence the cost can run into thousands!

- - Our model of tie-up with the lawyer hinges on us taking care of the 1st session where we will go through with you the thought process of what to put inside the Will (filling up the Will Performa). We will then send the draft to the lawyer and hence you will only need to meet up with the lawyer once to get your Will finalized. Our lawyers trust us to do a good job for the 1st session and you will not be short-changed in terms of professional advice.
  - It is a win-win-win situation for everyone! For our panel of lawyers - they get to acquire new customers and spend minimal time on the will writing. In return, our company charges the law firm for the services we provide to you - our valued customers! For the customers, you can be assured that your will is drafted by a legal professional!

Q5. Where can we meet for the Complimentary First Session?

Ans: We believe that Will Writing is about planning for your loved ones and it is serious business. Hence, we prefer an environment that is conducive for private discussion and it can be any place at your convenience. However, as a business practice we DO NOT meet at fast food restaurants or any place that is too noisy, or where people can hear our discussion.

- - If you prefer, you can also come down to our office for the first session.
  - We will meet at the law firm directly for the second session.

Q6. Do I need to bring down all my financial/assets information?

Ans: The simple answer is No. We do not need your financial information to draft your Will.

- - However, you must know that there are certain assets that will NOT be distributed by your Will as these assets will follow other operations of law. For instance, your Will CANNOT distribute the following assets:

1. CPF Monies (can only be distributed via CPF Nomination Form. Even if you have a Will and your CPF nomination becomes invalid, your Will cannot distribute your CPF Monies - it will instead be distributed under the Intestate Succession Act)
2. Joint Properties, including Joint Bank Accounts.
3. Insurance policies that are created under Section 73 of the CLPA (implied trust).
4. Insurance policies with valid nominations.
5. Any specific gifts in the Will.

Q7. Can my spouse and I do our wills separately?

Ans: Yes! In fact, a will is a very private matter and it is best that the fewer people know the better. If you choose to do your Will separately, then the discount (see Q3 above) does not apply, i.e. the cost is $400/- per will.

- - However, based on our experience, most couples prefer to do their Wills together and as the lawyer is meeting 2 persons (husband and wife) in the same session, we can offer a discount. (See Q3 above)