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 legacy planning, which allows you to decide what happens to your money and assets, how you and your loved ones will be cared for, and what healthcare options you’d like if you lose the capacity to make those decisions or pass on.

The good news is, getting started isn’t complicated. Whether you’re planning for yourself or supporting your family members, you may consider four essential tools: a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Advance Care Planning (ACP), CPF Nomination and Wills. 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

Whether you are starting your own legacy planning or helping a loved one with their legacy planning, it’s good to ease into the conversation with the loved ones. Reassure them that legacy planning isn’t about giving up control. Rather, it’s about making sure wishes are respected and carried out when it matters most. Encourage them to inform who are chosen as Donee(s) and the reasons why. This will help to ensure all the loved ones understand the choices and reduce the likelihood of future disputes.

2. Gather important documents

We don’t want to be scrambling for important documents when the time comes. It is useful to keep them organised in one place and let a trusted family member, friend, or lawyer know where they’re stored.

Use this suggested checklist to help you organise your important documents:

Personal information

  • NRIC and passport

  • Birth certificate

  • Marriage certificate

  • Divorce certificate (if applicable)

Legacy planning documents

  • LPA

  • ACP

  • Will

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. Begin your planning and get started on using the tools!

Make an LPA

The LPA is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more trusted people (Donee/s), to help you make decisions regarding personal welfare, property and affairs, or both, if you lose the mental capacity to do so yourself. You are encouraged to make your LPA as soon as possible as the LPA Form 1 application fee waiver for Singaporeans ends on 31 March 2026.

After you have drafted your LPA and your nominated Donee/s have accepted the appointment here, you may visit an LPA Certificate Issuer (CI) to certify your LPA. You may find the nearest CI here.

Make an ACP

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is an iterative process of ongoing conversations to understand, communicate and document your personal beliefs, values, and preferences for your future healthcare. It ensures your wishes are clearly communicated to your loved ones and healthcare team if you are ever unable to speak for yourself.

Begin by reflecting on what matters most to you. Then, appoint someone you trust as your Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson (NHS) and share your decisions with them. Although not required, you may consider appointing the same person as your NHS and as the Donee in your LPA. Make sure to document your ACP and review it regularly, so you can update it whenever needed.

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!

Make a CPF nomination

You can make a CPF nomination online at cpf.gov.sg/makeCPFNOM. You will need two witnesses who are at least 21, of sound mind, not one of your nominees, and have a valid Singpass to witness your nomination. Alternatively, you may also visit a CPF service centre and the customer service team can act as your witnesses and guide you through the nomination making 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!