Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore

What is the use for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore?

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document in Singapore that allows a person (known as the donor) to appoint one or more persons (known as the donee) to make decisions on his or her behalf in the event that the donor loses mental capacity.

An LPA is important as it provides a way for a person to plan ahead for the possibility that he or she may lose mental capacity in the future due to illness, injury, or old age. The LPA ensures that the person’s affairs will be managed by someone they trust and who will act in their best interests.

The donee appointed in the LPA can make decisions in relation to the donor’s personal welfare, such as where the donor should live and what medical treatment he or she should receive. The donee can also make decisions in relation to the donor’s property and affairs, such as managing the donor’s bank accounts, paying bills, and selling or buying property.

Without an LPA, it may be necessary for the family or loved ones of the person who has lost mental capacity to apply to the court to be appointed as a deputy to manage that person’s affairs. This can be a time-consuming and costly process.

Therefore, an LPA is a useful tool for individuals in Singapore to ensure that their affairs will be managed by someone they trust and who will act in their best interests, in the event that they lose mental capacity in the future.

 

What happens if I do not have an LPA in Singapore?

If you do not have a lasting power of attorney (LPA) in Singapore and you subsequently lose mental capacity, your family or loved ones may need to apply to the court to be appointed as your deputy to manage your affairs. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process, as it involves legal proceedings and may require the involvement of medical professionals to assess your mental capacity.

The court may appoint a deputy to manage your affairs if it is satisfied that you have lost mental capacity and that it is in your best interests to have a deputy appointed. The deputy may be a family member, friend, or a professional deputy appointed by the court.

The deputy will be required to make decisions on your behalf in relation to your personal welfare and/or property and affairs. The deputy will need to follow certain guidelines and principles set out in the Mental Capacity Act to ensure that they act in your best interests.

Without an LPA, you will not have control over who is appointed as your deputy and you may not be able to choose someone who you trust and who knows your wishes and preferences. In addition, the process of appointing a deputy can be stressful and emotionally challenging for your loved ones.

Therefore, it is recommended that you consider creating a LPA in Singapore to plan ahead and ensure that your affairs will be managed by someone you trust in the event that you lose mental capacity in the future.

 

What is the process for applying for LPA in Singapore?

The process for applying for a lasting power of attorney (LPA) in Singapore involves several steps:

1. Choose your donee(s): The first step is to decide who you want to appoint as your donee(s) – the person(s) who will make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. You can appoint one or more donees, and you can also appoint a replacement donee in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act.
2. Complete the LPA form: You will need to complete the LPA form, which is available online on the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) website. The form requires you to provide your personal details, the details of your donee(s), and the scope of their powers.
3. Notify your donee(s): You must inform your appointed donee(s) that you have made an LPA. Your donee(s) would have to verify via the online form that would be sent to them after you have completed the relevant details. You should also discuss your wishes and preferences with them, so that they understand what decisions you would like them to make on your behalf.
4. Obtain a certificate issuer: You will need to engage a certificate issuer, who is a registered medical practitioner, psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your mental capacity and certify that you understand the nature and effect of the LPA.
5. Register the LPA: Once the form is completed and certified by the certificate issuer, it must be lodged with the OPG for registration. There is a fee for registration, which varies depending on the mode of registration. The registration fee for LPA Form 1 has been waived for Singapore Citizens until 31 March 2026.
6. Wait for registration: The registration process takes about 6 to 8 weeks, and the OPG will notify you and your donee(s) when the registration is complete.

Once the LPA is registered, your donee(s) can act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. It is important to note that you can revoke the LPA at any time if you change your mind, as long as you have mental capacity to do so.

 

What is the cost of engaging a certificate issuer?

Our doctor is a certified certificate issuer for LPA. The cost of certification at our clinic is $54 (after GST). For more information and / or to book an appointment with the clinic, do reach out to us at 62808080 or email us at contact@affinitymedical.sg and we would be happy to address your queries and concerns.