Author Description

Many of us spend our entire lives pursuing our dreams. Ironically, only a handful of people bother spending a few days or even a few hours to ensure that their estate, which includes businesses, properties (movable or immovable) and well-being of their loved ones are properly planned for after they pass on. We know that two things are certain in life - taxes and death. When faced with death, we might even be taxed for the estate or wealth left behind. Many countries including the USA and other European nations impose tax on the transfer of the estate of a deceased person, and this is commonly known as the Inheritance Tax, Estate Duty or Death Tax. Many Singaporeans and Permanent Residents have invested in businesses, properties as well as stocks and shares in these overseas countries and there may be inheritance tax levied on such investments. Goals 1. A few books on writing wills have appeared in Singapore but I have yet to see one that caters to people who only understand the Chinese language. I aim to provide this same book written in both English and Mandarin in Singapore. 2. Many elderly either live alone or in an old folks home. I aim to provide free training to volunteers who can assist the elderly to draft a simple will. This idea began when a friend, Miss CC, asked me to help draft a will for her mother. At that point of time, her mother was suffering from a disease known as Systemic Sclerosis. Systemic Sclerosis is a rare, chronic disorder characterised by degenerative changes, blood vessel abnormalities as well as scarring in the skin, joints, and internal organs. Burdened with expensive medical bills, both my friend and her sister were struggling to fork out additional money to draft a will for their mother. I quickly stepped in to assist their ailing mother to state her wishes and help drafted a simple will. The process was conducted in Mandarin. I also extended my services to make sure the insurance nomi