QUOTE(penangmee @ Nov 11 2007, 01:54 PM)
ARB is among the cheapest but not most efficient for wrting will AND getting probate after u mati. Their chareges are fixed. Lawyers? Charges are like squeezing the deceased asstes also not that fast.
Dividing assets b4 mati? I have heard stories of children who abandon theirs parents after getting hold of the asstes - not paying for medical bills/leaving parents alone etc.
How ever I agree that simple will should be enuf if dun hav a lot of assets but u still need will . If single to make sure govt does'nt get all your money. If married to make sure wife/children/ parents get a portion. I have heard too many sob stories. In laws dun want to giv wife/wife dun want to giv aged parents etc . SO make sure you update your life policies/EPF when u get married/have children. FYI, I even know of a case where an ex gf/fiancee was named as beneficiary - wife was not able to claim on the policy. Policy holder didnot/forgot to change. Until today I dun think that the ex gf knew the guy was dead or even made a claim

GOOD topic. Was just thinking to post the same topic in my blog. Estate planning (will writing) is the essential part for financial planning.
I was talking to my insurance agent and he agrees to draft a will for me for free. Will can be done easily if we keep the content simple. But if you have material amount of assets, it is important that you consult a proper will writer like rock will.
Especially EPF. Don't just rely on your nomination. For eg, My husband and i nominate each other as beneficiary. It is fine..but WHAT IF, unfortunately we face a common disaster??? If rely on LA, EPF takes a long years before money is released.