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Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
- Amelia Heng
- Jan 3, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 30, 2023
Website for application: https://www.msf.gov.sg/opg/Pages/Home.aspx
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf (to manage personal welfare, property, and financial affairs) in the event of a loss of mental capacity.
A LPA is different from a will. A will takes effect only after a person passes away while a Lasting Power of Attorney takes effect when a person is still alive but loses mental capacity.
You will need arrange for an appointment to be certified mentally capable by accredited doctors (certified issuers) in order to proceed with your LPA nomination. The LPA application fee is currently $0 (fee of $75 waived till 31st March 2026). Hence, you only need to pay for the medical examination conducted at the clinic.
How much does it costs to make a LPA?
$65nett for LPA nomination if done in clinic, $200 nett for Housecall LPA nomination.
Who can make a LPA?
You have to be at least 21 years of age and above and possess mental capacity, in order to make a LPA nomination.
Assessment of donor's mental capacity will be performed by doctor before LPA Form 1 will be signed.
How to make a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Contact clinic at 6908 5418 or WhatsApp us at 8308 3135 to make an appointment for LPA.
What to bring on the day of LPA nomination appointment?
Please complete the LPA draft online and ensure your donee(s) has accepted your nomination online.
Ensure you have a working mobile Singpass App on your phone.
If you do not have a functional Singpass App on your phone, please print and bring along your LPA Form 1.
You may fill in the form in advance.
If you have any difficulties, we are able to assist you in printing the form and guide you through the form filling in clinic.
Who are the parties involved in a LPA?
Donor = you
Donee = appointed person(s) to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity
Certificate Issuer = a medical practitioner accredited by the Public Guardian (eg. Dr Nicholas Ong/ Dr Tan Yan Yuan) or practising lawyer or registered psychiatrist
4. Office of Public Guardian (OPG) = An LPA must be registered by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) in order for it to be valid.
Must the donee(s) be present during the LPA nomination appointment?
No, it is not mandatory that the donee(s) be present during the LPA nomination appointment. Donor can choose to come with or without the donee(s)
Why everyone should plan their LPA (not just the elderly)?
Because no one knows what can happen in the future.
Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli's Facebook post:
Without an LPA, a court order would have to be obtained in order to administer the affairs of a person who lacks mental capacity. Obtaining a court order can be a tedious and time-consuming process whereas if one has an LPA, the entrusted person(s) whom you have delegated could act on your behalf as soon as the situation arises.
The LPA Form 1 application fee for a standard LPA is S$75. However, the Office of Public Guardian (OPG) is waiving the fee for Singapore citizens until 31 March 2026, to encourage more Singaporeans to plan ahead and apply for a LPA.
The increasing number of applications shows that there is growing awareness by the years:
Source: Data.gov.sg & DBS
Resources:
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