What happens if one day you’re no longer able to make decisions for yourself? It’s a difficult question, yet an important one to consider while you still can. Mental incapacity can arise without warning, whether due to illness, injury, or ageing. That’s why Singapore’s Mental Capacity Act was put in place, to help individuals plan ahead and ensure their needs are looked after with dignity and care.

A key part of this legal framework is the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). It allows you to appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity, giving them the legal authority to manage your personal welfare, property, and finances. With this in place, your wishes remain clear, and your loved ones are spared the burden of navigating complex decisions without guidance.

To understand how it works, let’s begin by exploring what an LPA actually involves and why it plays such a vital role in future planning.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document in Singapore that allows an individual aged 21 or older to appoint one or more trusted persons to act on their behalf if they lose mental capacity in the future. The person making the appointment is known as the Donor, while the one being appointed is referred to as the Donee.

The powers given to a Donee generally fall into two areas. The first is personal welfare, which covers decisions about healthcare, accommodation, and day-to-day living. The second is property and affairs, which involves the management of finances, legal matters, and property ownership.

In some cases, a Donee might also be authorised to sign legal documents on behalf of the Donor. This includes situations involving property transactions, where such authority is granted under the terms of the LPA.

Why Is Making an LPA Important?

If a person loses mental capacity without an LPA in place, their family cannot automatically step in to manage their affairs. In such cases, they must apply to the Family Justice Courts in Singapore for a Deputyship order. This process can take time, involves legal fees, and often adds emotional strain to an already difficult situation.

Creating an LPA in advance prevents these complications. It allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, giving them the legal authority to act in your best interests if you are no longer able to do so. It also brings peace of mind to your loved ones, who can then focus on supporting you without the added pressure of legal uncertainties.

How to Apply for an LPA

Applying for an LPA in Singapore is a clear and structured process that ensures both the Donor and Donee understand their roles and responsibilities. The application is submitted through the Office of the Public Guardian’s online portal (OPGO), and involves three key steps.

  • One: It begins with the Donor, who must log in using Singpass on an internet-enabled device. After verifying their identity, the Donor completes the LPA form by entering the Donee’s details and specifying the powers to be granted.
  • Two: Once the form is submitted, the Donee will receive a prompt to log in separately. They must confirm their personal information and formally accept the appointment. This ensures they are fully aware of the responsibilities involved and agree to take them on.
  • Three: The final step involves certification. The Donor must visit a Certificate Issuer (CI) to have the LPA witnessed and validated. CIs include practising lawyers, registered psychiatrists, or doctors accredited by the Office of the Public Guardian.

Who Can Apply for an LPA?

Before you begin your LPA application process, it’s important to understand who qualifies to be a Donor and Donee under the Mental Capacity Act in Singapore. Meeting these conditions helps ensure that your application is valid and complete.

Donor Requirements

To make an LPA, the Donor must:

  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Have the mental capacity to act in making legal decisions relating to the LPA at the time of application.
  • Not be an undischarged bankrupt, if the LPA involves decisions on property or financial matters.

Donee Requirements

To be appointed, a Donee must meet the following:

  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Be an individual if appointed to handle personal welfare matters.
  • Not be an undischarged bankrupt if appointed to manage property and affairs.

Important: Knowingly providing false information when applying for an LPA is a criminal offence in Singapore. Anyone found guilty of doing so may be fined up to $10,000 or face imprisonment for up to two years.

LPA Application Fees and Payment Information

To encourage early planning, the Office of the Public Guardian has waived application fees for LPA Form 1 for all Singapore Citizens. This waiver is valid until 31 March 2026.

 

LPA Form 1 FeeLPA Form 2 Fee
Singapore Citizens$0 (Until 31 Mar 2026)$185
Singapore Permanent Residents$90$230
Foreigners$230$275

A cancellation fee of $28 applies if you withdraw your application after submission.

Payment for government application fees can be made through OPG Online (OPGO). 

In addition to the above, applicants are required to pay a professional fee to the CI for the mandatory witnessing and certification of the form. At Healthway Medical, this typically ranges from $60 to $150, before GST.

Our List of GP Clinics Offering LPA Certification

Healthway Medical offers a list of approved doctors at selected clinics across Singapore, making it easy for you to complete this final step of your LPA with added peace of mind:

Secure Your Future

Plan ahead with confidence. Speak to our doctors about your LPA today.

Locate a Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions About Lasting Power of Attorney

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

A Lasting Power of Attorney or LPA is a legal document in Singapore that lets someone aged 21 or older (donor) appoint a trusted person (donee) to act on their behalf if they lose mental capacity. These decisions may relate to personal welfare, such as healthcare and living arrangements, or property and finances. Making an LPA ensures your affairs are handled by someone you trust, in line with your preferences and interests.

What are the benefits of having an LPA in Singapore?

With an LPA, you can appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. In Singapore, this legal document helps avoid delays and ensures your wishes around care or finances are clearly followed. An LPA can be tailored to your needs, updated over time, and offers peace of mind knowing your affairs are managed by someone you choose and trust.

How many types of LPAs are there in Singapore?

There are two types of LPAs available in Singapore: Form 1 and Form 2. Form 1 is the more commonly used version, allowing Donors to grant general powers to up to two Donees, with basic safeguards in place. Form 2 is intended for those who require more customised instructions and greater flexibility. It must be drafted by a lawyer to include specific powers beyond what is covered in Form 1.

Can a doctor certify my LPA?

Yes, though only specific doctors can do so. In Singapore, the Certificate Issuer must be a psychiatrist registered under the Medical Registration Act or a doctor accredited by the Office of the Public Guardian. Healthway Medical offers a panel of doctors who are LPA Certificate Issuers at selected clinics, making it easier for you to complete the certification step with added peace of mind.

Is an LPA the same as an Advance Medical Directive (AMD)?

No, they cover different scenarios. An LPA allows you to appoint someone to act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. An AMD lets you state your wish to decline extraordinary life-sustaining treatment if you are terminally ill and unconscious. Both support future planning.

Learn more about Healthway Medical’s Advance Medical Directive service.