lasting power of attorney in singapore — A **Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore** is a legal document that lets you appoint someone to manage your affairs if you lose mental capacity. The process includes preparing the application, certifying it with an LPA certificate issuer, and registering it with the Office of the Public Guardian. Costs vary depending on whether you use Form 1 or Form 2 and if legal or medical professionals are involved. An LPA helps secure your future by ensuring decisions are made by a trusted person, not left to court processes.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore is a legal document that allows an individual (the donor) to appoint someone they trust (the donee) to make decisions on their behalf should they lose mental capacity. The LPA process provides peace of mind by ensuring your personal, financial, and medical matters are managed by someone you choose, rather than leaving it to the courts.

This guide walks you through the LPA process in Singapore, including who can apply, the documents required, costs involved, and why engaging a lawyer is often recommended.

Key Takeaways

An LPA allows you to appoint a trusted person to manage your affairs if you lose mental capacity.
Anyone aged 21 and above with mental capacity can make an LPA.
There are two types of LPA forms: Form 1 (standard) and Form 2 (customised).
The process involves preparing the form, certifying it with an LPA certificate issuer, and registering it with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
Costs include government filing fees, lawyer’s fees, and possible medical assessment charges.
Mistakes in the application may cause rejection or delays, so professional guidance is often beneficial.

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

An LPA is governed by the Mental Capacity Act. It allows you (the donor) to plan ahead by legally appointing one or more donees to make decisions if you are unable to do so due to dementia, accidents, stroke, or other medical conditions that affect mental capacity.

Donees can be authorised to handle:

Personal welfare: healthcare decisions, daily care, living arrangements.
Property & affairs: managing bank accounts, investments, property, and bills.

Unlike a Will, which only takes effect after death, an LPA applies during your lifetime if you lose the ability to make decisions.

Who Can Apply for an LPA?

You can apply for an LPA in Singapore if:

You are at least 21 years old.
You have mental capacity at the time of making the LPA.

Who Can You Appoint as a Donee?

Any trusted individual aged 21 or above.
A licensed trust company (for property/financial matters).
You can appoint multiple donees and specify whether they act jointly (together) or jointly & severally (individually).

LPA Form 1 vs Form 2

There are two official forms under the OPG:

Form 1: Standard form with mostly pre-set powers covering personal welfare and property matters. Suitable for most applicants.
Form 2: Customised form where you grant specific powers. Must be drafted by a lawyer.

Step-by-Step: The LPA Process in Singapore

Decide on your donee(s)

Consider trustworthiness, capability, and willingness.

Select the correct form (Form 1 or Form 2)

Form 1 for most cases.
Form 2 if you need customised terms (requires legal drafting).

Complete the form via the OPG e-Services portal

Available online at Office of the Public Guardian.

Certification by an LPA certificate issuer

Must be signed by an accredited professional:

A practicing lawyer,
A registered psychiatrist, or
A medical practitioner accredited by the OPG.

Their role: ensure you understand the LPA and are not under undue influence.

Submit application to the OPG

Submission is done online.
A mandatory 3-week waiting period allows objections.

LPA registration is approved

If no valid objections, the OPG issues an official registered LPA.

Costs of Making an LPA

Government filing fees:

For Singapore citizens, fees for Form 1 applications are currently waived until 31 March 2026.
Permanent residents and foreigners pay $100–$300 depending on circumstances.

Certificate issuer fees:

Doctors and psychiatrists charge $50–$200.
Lawyers typically charge $200–$500 for certification.

Legal drafting fees (if using Form 2):

Ranges from $500 to $2,500 depending on complexity.

Benefits of Having an LPA

Prevents court-appointed deputies: Without an LPA, your family must apply to court to manage your affairs, which is costly and time-consuming.
Peace of mind: You choose who manages your matters, rather than leaving it to chance.
Protects your assets: Donees can manage property and investments, avoiding delays or disputes.
Complements estate planning: Works alongside a Will and other estate tools to give you full coverage.

Risks and Common Mistakes

Incomplete forms → lead to rejection.
Choosing the wrong donee → donees must be trustworthy and reliable.
Not seeking legal advice for Form 2 → risk of unclear or unenforceable instructions.
Delaying → LPAs must be made while you still have mental capacity.

Why Work With a Lawyer for Your LPA

At YY Lee & Associates LLC, our lawyers are accredited LPA certificate issuers who can:

Certify your LPA Form 1
Draft a customised Form 2
Ensure compliance with CPF, property, and family law issues,
Integrate your LPA with your Will and estate planning.

📞 Whatsapp us: +65 8780 2499
📷 Instagram: @yylee_familylaw

FAQ

On average 6–8 weeks, including the mandatory waiting period at the OPG.
Yes, as long as you still have mental capacity, you can revoke and make a new LPA.
Not always. For Form 1, you can use any certificate issuer. For Form 2, a lawyer is mandatory. However, legal advice ensures your LPA is comprehensive and legally sound.