lpa vs will — A **Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)** in Singapore allows you to appoint someone to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity, while a **Will** only takes effect after death to distribute your estate. Both serve different purposes but complement each other in estate planning. Without an LPA, your family must apply to court for deputyship, and without a Will, assets are distributed under intestacy laws. Having both ensures your affairs are managed during your lifetime and after your passing.

When planning ahead, many Singaporeans ask: “Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) if I already have a Will?” The answer is that both serve different purposes. An LPA in Singapore takes effect while you are still alive but lose mental capacity, while a Will only comes into force after your death.

Understanding the differences—and how they work together—ensures that your personal, financial, and medical decisions are protected in every situation.

Key Takeaways

LPA: Applies during your lifetime if you lose mental capacity (e.g., dementia, stroke, accident).
Will: Applies after death to distribute your estate.
Both documents complement each other as part of a full estate plan.
Without an LPA, your family must apply to court to be appointed deputies—a costly and slow process.
Without a Will, your estate is distributed under intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes.

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

An LPA is a legal document where you (the donor) appoint a trusted person (the donee) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. It covers:

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

Read our full guide here: Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore: Complete Process, Cost & Benefits Explained.

What Is a Will?

A Will is a legal document that states how you want your estate distributed after your death. It can cover:

Beneficiaries for property, savings, and assets,
Guardianship of minor children,
Appointment of executors to carry out your instructions.

Unlike an LPA, a Will has no effect while you are alive.

LPA vs Will: Key Differences


Feature	LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney)	Will
When it takes effect	During lifetime, if you lose mental capacity	After death
Purpose	Allows a trusted person to make decisions for you	Distributes your assets after death
Covers	Personal welfare & property/affairs	Assets, guardianship, estate distribution
Legal basis	Mental Capacity Act	Wills Act
Who applies	Donor creates and registers while capable	Testator drafts, signed by witnesses

Why You Need Both

An LPA alone isn’t enough: If you pass away without a Will, your assets will be distributed under intestacy laws, which may not match your wishes.
A Will alone isn’t enough: If you lose mental capacity while alive, no one can manage your affairs without an LPA, forcing your family into a court deputyship process.

Together, they provide comprehensive protection: Your affairs are covered both during your lifetime and after your death.

Secure Your Future with Both LPA and Will

At YY Lee & Associates LLC, we help clients prepare both LPAs and Wills, ensuring complete protection for your family and assets. By combining both, you avoid costly court applications and make sure your wishes are carried out during life and after.

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

FAQ

Yes, but they don’t have to. Your donee (LPA) and executor (Will) can be the same person or different, depending on your needs.
For an LPA, a lawyer is required if you use Form 2. For a Will, professional drafting avoids disputes and ensures compliance.
Yes. A Will does not cover decisions during your lifetime if you lose mental capacity.