Choosing an executor: the most important decision in your will
Who you appoint as executor matters more than most people realise. Here's how to pick well.
Leong Jun Jie, Founder & Estate Planner · View credentials
Published 4 May 2026, last updated 6 July 2026· 4 min read
In Singapore, your executor is the person who carries out your will, they apply for probate, deal with banks, sell or transfer property, and distribute your assets. They have a fiduciary duty to act in good faith, but they also have real power, which makes this the most important appointment in your will.
Key takeaways
- Your executor applies for probate, deals with banks and property, and distributes your estate, choose for trustworthiness, organisation, and willingness to do the work.
- They don't need to be a lawyer, and they don't need to live in Singapore (though it helps). Most people choose a spouse or adult child.
- Always name at least one substitute executor, in case your first choice can't or won't act.
What should you look for in an executor?
Trustworthiness, organisation, and the willingness to do the work. They don't need to be a lawyer. They don't need to live in Singapore (but it helps). They should be younger than you, ideally, so they outlive you.
Most people pick a spouse or adult child. Some pick a close friend or a professional executor (banks and trust companies offer this for a fee).
| Common choice | Worth knowing |
|---|---|
| Spouse or adult child | The most common choice |
| Close friend | Fine, they don't need to be a lawyer, just trustworthy, organised, and willing to do the work |
| Professional executor (bank or trust company) | Available for a fee |
Should you name a backup executor?
Yes. Always name at least one substitute executor in case your first choice can't or won't act. Raintree's flow includes this question by default, and talking it through costs nothing, pricing is here when you're ready.
Ready to turn this into your will?
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