Families For Life | The complete checklist for legacy planning

It is always wise to plan ahead, as it offers peace of mind and helps you feel more prepared when unexpected challenges emerge. The same applies to end-of-life planning, which allows you to decide what happens to your money and assets, how your loved ones will be cared for, and what kind of healthcare you’d like if you ever lose the capacity to make those decisions yourself.

The good news is, getting started isn’t complicated. Whether you’re planning for yourself or supporting your parents or grandparents, you only need three key tools: a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Advance Care Planning (ACP), and CPF Nomination. You can learn more about each of them at this link before diving back into this article.

Ready to start your legacy planning? Here’s a complete list of everything you need to do.

1. Start the conversation

If you’re helping a loved one with their legacy planning, it’s good to ease into the conversation. Reassure them that legacy planning isn’t about giving up control. Rather, it’s about making sure their wishes are respected and carried out when it matters most.

2. Gather important documents

We don’t want to be scrambling for important documents when the time comes. A good step is to keep them organised in one place and let a trusted family member, friend, or lawyer know where they’re stored. Alternatively, you can store important documents securely online with My Legacy vault.

Use this checklist to help you find what you need:

Personal information

  • NRIC and passport

  • Birth certificate

  • Marriage certificate

  • ·Divorce certificate (if applicable)

Legacy planning documents

  • Will

  • ACP

  • LPA

Financial accounts

  • Bank accounts

  • Credit cards

  • Insurance

  • Loans

  • Investments

Property & Vehicles

  • Residential property

  • Commercial property

  • Vehicles

For a more detailed list, refer to My Legacy's website.

3. Write a will

A will is a legal document that sets out how you want your estate to be distributed after your death. It’s especially important if you have dependents who rely on you financially. The good news is, you can write your own will and it’s not permanent, as you can update or change it anytime!

4. Make an ACP

If you have specific beliefs, values, or preferences for your future healthcare, an ACP ensures your wishes are clearly communicated to your loved ones and healthcare team if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself.

Start by reflecting on what matters most to you, then appoint someone you trust as your Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson and share your decisions with them. Be sure to document your ACP and review it regularly so you can make updates whenever needed.

5. Make an LPA

For LPAs, you’ll need to appoint one or two people you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. They will handle matters related to your personal welfare, property, and other affairs, particularly if you haven’t made a will or ACP.

After you’ve nominated your chosen Donees here, wait for them to accept the appointment. Once accepted, visit an LPA Certificate Issuer (CI) to certify your LPA and sign it using your Singpass digital signature. You will be notified when your LPA is officially registered.

6. Make a CPF nomination

You can make a CPF nomination online via myCPF Online Services or by visiting any CPF service centre. Either way, you’ll need two witnesses who are at least 21, of sound mind, not one of your nominees, and have a valid Singpass if you’re nominating online.

If you visit a CPF service centre, the customer service team can act as your witnesses and guide you through the process.

Legacy planning may feel like a big step, but it’s really about giving yourself and your loved ones peace of mind. By putting these plans in place early, you ensure that your wishes are respected, and your family won’t be left guessing or burdened with tough decisions later on. Start small and take it one step at a time – you’d want to build a legacy that truly reflects the life you’ve lived and the people you care about most!