SingaporeHow do I revoke or change my will?
You can revoke a will in Singapore by making a new will, writing 'cancelled' across it with intent to revoke, or destroying it completely. To change your will, you must make a new will or add a valid codicil.
What the Law Says
The Wills Act sets out how a will may be revoked or altered in Singapore. Revocation must be intentional and done in one of the prescribed ways.
Under section 15 of the Wills Act, a will (or part of it) may be revoked only in specific ways: by making a later will or codicil; by a written declaration of intent to revoke, signed in the presence of two witnesses; or by burning, tearing, or otherwise destroying the will with the intention to revoke it.
A codicil is a formal amendment to an existing will and must meet the same legal requirements as a new will — it must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by at least two people present at the same time.
Simply crossing out clauses or writing notes on the will does not revoke or change it unless the act clearly shows intent to revoke and satisfies the formalities in section 15.
Statutory TextA will (or part of a will) may be revoked by — (a) a later will or codicil; (b) a writing declaring an intention to revoke the will, executed in the manner in which a will is required to be executed; or (c) burning, tearing or otherwise destroying the will by the testator or by some other person in his presence and by his direction, with the intention of revoking it.
— Wills Act, s. 15 — Revocation of wills
What to Do
Draft a new will or codicil that clearly states your updated wishes and complies with all formalities.
Sign the document in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries (or their spouses).
Ensure both witnesses sign in your presence and in each other’s presence.
Store the original will safely and inform your executor of its location.
If revoking entirely, destroy the old will completely (e.g., tear into pieces or burn) — or execute a formal revocation document signed before two witnesses.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.