Three key takeaways
- A Will, LPA and CPF nomination have different jobs.
- CPF savings are not distributed through a Will.
- Review all arrangements together after a significant family change.
These tools serve different purposes. A Will addresses your estate after death; an LPA appoints decision-makers for a loss of mental capacity; a CPF nomination directs the CPF savings covered by the nomination after death.
Explore the review framework
Three tools. Different responsibilities.
Plan for both decision-making during life and distribution after death.
- Will
Your estate after death: beneficiaries, executor and relevant care wishes.
- LPA
If mental capacity is lost: appointed donees act within the powers granted.
- CPF nomination
After death: the CPF savings covered by the nomination go to your nominees.
A complete discussion considers asset ownership, nominations and family care together.
General education. Your circumstances, documents and applicable terms determine what applies.
Three different jobs
| Tool | What it addresses | People to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Will | Distribution of your estate after death, subject to applicable law and asset ownership. | Beneficiaries, executor and, where relevant, intended guardians. |
| Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) | Decisions if you lose mental capacity, within the authority granted. | Trusted donee(s) for personal welfare and/or property and affairs. |
| CPF nomination | The CPF savings covered by your nomination after death. | Nominees and the proportions you intend them to receive. |
A Will does not distribute your CPF savings
CPF savings are not distributed through a Will. Make and review your CPF nomination separately. The nomination does not cover every asset connected with CPF; for example, CPF Investment Scheme investments require separate consideration.
Use CPF Board’s guidance to check what is included, what is excluded, and how changes in family circumstances affect an existing nomination.
An LPA is for decisions during your lifetime
An LPA lets you appoint trusted people to act if you lose mental capacity. Discuss the responsibilities with your intended donees and consider whether the authority should cover personal welfare, property and affairs, or both. It does not replace a Will.
Use the Office of the Public Guardian’s current application guidance and the required certificate-issuing process. Ask for professional help if your circumstances require customised powers.
Plan how the pieces fit together
List your assets, ownership arrangements, dependants and existing nominations. Decide who should make decisions, who should receive assets, and how your family would locate the relevant documents.
Parents should discuss care arrangements and intended guardianship with a qualified lawyer. Families with overseas assets, trusts, business interests or Muslim inheritance considerations may need specialist advice.
Review after life changes
Marriage, divorce, a new child or a death in the family are reasons to revisit the whole arrangement. Do not assume every document changes automatically in the same way.
I can help organise the planning questions and identify areas for professional follow-up. A qualified lawyer should advise on legal validity and estate distribution.
What to prepare for a review
- A list of assets and how they are owned
- Existing Will, LPA and nomination records
- People you would trust to act or manage matters
- Questions for a qualified lawyer about your family’s circumstances
Keep sensitive documents secure. Use the contact form to share your priorities, then agree how to provide any records needed for the review.
Sources & further reading
- CPF Board — Making a CPF nomination
- CPF Board — CPF nomination, Will and LPA
- Office of the Public Guardian — Lasting Power of Attorney
These sources provide general background. The review questions and checklists are educational commentary. Check the current official guidance and your own documents before acting. This guide is not a personal financial or legal recommendation.
Have a question about your own plans?
Bring the relevant documents and the question you would like answered. We can start there.
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