I Have No Regrets Choosing a Non-Lawyer: Who Can I Trust in Estate Planning?

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Disclaimer: The content on this site is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The author shall not liable for any loss, error, or legal consequences arising from the use, reliance, or misinterpretation of any material published here. By large, the information in this publication is the author's opinions entirely, and does not represent any other entity or individual.

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“Are you a lawyer? Can I trust you with something so important? Are you even licensed to do this?”

These are some of the most common questions I receive when I explain my profession as an estate planner.

As I’ve shared in a previous article on estate planning, many people still confuse my work with real estate — or assume I must be a lawyer.

It’s understandable. For decades, most people associated estate planning with simply drafting a Will. And when it comes to Wills, the traditional go-to professional has always been a lawyer. Mainstream media reinforces this by encouraging readers to seek legal advice for estate-related matters.

But here’s the truth:

Estate planning is far more comprehensive than just writing a Will.

In Singapore, professional estate planners and lawyers serve different but complementary roles. While lawyers handle legal documentation, estate planners focus on long-term strategies for wealth preservation and distribution.

Let’s explore how both professionals contribute — and how to decide who you should work with.

Accreditation Matters: Trust Begins With Qualifications

Unlike law, estate planning doesn’t have a dedicated university degree. It’s typically taught as a module within finance-related courses. That’s why professional designations and certifications are crucial for distinguishing qualified estate planners.

Some widely recognised credentials include:

• AEPP® (Associate Estate Planning Practitioner)

• CFP® (Certified Financial Planner)

• TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner) – awarded by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

These accreditations signal rigorous training, technical competence, and a commitment to ethical practice.

A credible estate planner should also demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of estate laws and planning tools

• Experience across diverse family and asset scenarios

• The ability to collaborate with lawyers, accountants, and tax professionals

  
  

✅ Pro tip: Referrals may indicate trust, but professional certifications confirm expertise.

On the other hand, lawyers undergo structured legal education and are trained to interpret complex statutes. When legal complexity or potential disputes are involved, lawyers are indispensable. To practise as a lawyer in Singapore, one has to pass the Singapore Bar qualification.

But a word of caution:

🤝 Trustworthiness is not the same as qualification.

I’ve met clients who acted on well-meaning but unqualified advice — often from family, friends or even financial consultant who are not well-versed in the domain of estate planning. The result?

Confusion, unintended outcome, and sometimes, irreversible legal consequences.

Who Should You Engage: Estate Planner vs. Lawyer?

Both professionals play vital — but distinct — roles in estate planning. Here's how they differ:

✅ What Estate Planners Do

Estate planners help you build a holistic, long-term strategy. Their focus includes:

• Analysing your financial situation and family dynamics

• Recommending tools like Wills, Trusts, or holding companies

• Advising on tax efficiency and liquidity issues

• Designing cost-effective insurance-based funding solutions

• Coordinating with legal, tax, and accounting professionals

• Facilitating access to corporate Executor or Trustee services

  
  

Estate planners are ideal for people seeking a strategic, legacy-focused approach.

✅ What Lawyers Do

Lawyers ensure the legal enforceability of your estate plan. Their responsibilities include:

• Drafting Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Form 2

• Preparing legal agreements like Shareholder Buy-Sell Agreements or Deeds of Family Arrangement

• Advising on the legal implications of estate planning choices

• Representing clients during probate or family disputes

• Managing court filings and estate administration

  
  

Lawyers are essential when dealing with legal disputes or complex documentation.

Difference between Estate Planner and Lawyer

Two Key Factors to Consider Before You Decide

1. Estate Complexity

If your estate includes multiple asset classes — such as property (locally or overseas), CPF savings, insurance, business shares, or investments — your planning needs are more sophisticated.

For example, Lex Situs dictates that the laws of the jurisdiction where property is situated govern matters related to that property, including ownership, transfer, and other legal rights and obligations. In Singapore, public housing and private properties have different rules and which leads to different set of considerations. Citizenship of the beneficiaries matters, type of ownership, stamp duties etc. Not to mention, other overseas properties have their own rulings as well.

As we can see, property as an asset class alone has its own limitation, not to mention that investment assets, insurances, CPF and business interests, each has their own challenges as well.

💡 The more diverse your assets, the more strategic your plan must be. How you distribute, depends on how you own it.

2. Family Dynamics

Do you have a blended family, ex-spouses, estranged relatives, or vulnerable dependents?

These dynamics often introduce complications. In such situations:

• An estate planner can help identify risks and structure your intent

• A lawyer can ensure that documentation is legally sound and enforceable

These scenarios require extra care to avoid disputes and ensure your wishes are carried out clearly and fairly.

🗯️ Family dynamic is the highly important! Ignoring the relationships among the beneficiaries can lead to bitter dispute.

Final Thoughts: Don’t DIY Your Legacy

Whether you work with an estate planner, a lawyer, or ideally both, the goal is the same:

✅ Protect your loved ones

✅ Preserve your assets

✅ Prevent unnecessary disputes

Before wrapping up this articles, it is also noteworthy to learn that drafting a Will, does not require one to be legally trained. According to the Legal Profession Act 1966, under the rules on unauthorised person acting as advocate or solicitor, it is stated clearly that a will or other testamentary document is not part of the instrument that requires an advocate or solicitor to arrange. This fact debunks the misconception that you need a lawyer to write a will. A well-trained estate planner can also write your will.

When estate planning is done right, it provides peace of mind — not just for you, but for generations to come. Estate planning is too important to leave to chance or misinformation.

Both professionals play a critical role in protecting your legacy. Together, they can help you create a plan that reflects your values and preserves your wealth for generations to come.

If you’re unsure where to begin, speak with us. We’ll guide you through every step — from identifying your goals to implementing a plan that protects your loved ones long after you’re gone.

📅 Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation and let’s start planning your legacy today.