A Place for the Privileged Will

• Main Author: LEE, Jack Tsen-Ta
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 1994
• Subjects: Wills and succession law; privileged wills of soldiers and sailors; personal property; Asian Studies; Law
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/574; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sol_research/article/1573/viewcontent/PlaceforPrivilegedWill_1994.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

Most people consider the proper distribution of their property on death a vitally important matter. For those who are elderly, ill or engaged in risky occupations, it is often urgent to get such things settled fast. But some people may be in circumstances where they cannot comply with the formal requirements for a valid will. The law has long recognized this concern in the case of soldiers and sailors by allowing them to create privileged wills. Many jurisdictions, including Singapore, have legislation to this effect. This article seeks to determine if there remains a place for the privileged will today. The rationale behind them will be compared to interpretations placed by courts on modern-day provisions recognizing privileged wills. It will be shown that there is still a role for the privileged will and that it should be redefined, not removed.