top of page

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

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.


How to make a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Contact clinic at 6322 3948 or WhatsApp us at 9727 5498 to make an appointment for LPA.


How much does it costs to make a LPA?

$65 nett 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.


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?

  1. Donor = you

  2. Donee = appointed person(s) to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity

  3. Certificate Issuer = a medical practitioner accredited by the Public Guardian (eg. Dr Jerer Lim/ 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 2023,

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:

  • Ministry of Social and Family Development - The Lasting Power of Attorney (link)

  • DBS Financial Planning - Why Lasting Power of Attorney is not just for the elderly (link)

  • Singapore Legal Advice (link)

  • Healthhub.sg (link)

Comments


bottom of page