Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

lpa Singapore. — An LPA covers both personal welfare and financial matters, while an Advanced Medical Directive only applies to end-of-life medical decisions.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust (donee) to make important decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to do so in the future. Mental capacity can be affected by illness, injury or ageing and an LPA ensures that your wishes are respected even if you cannot express them.

Making an LPA is a thoughtful step that gives reassurance to you and your family. It allows planning, reduces uncertainty and ensures that your well-being and affairs are looked after by people who understand your values and preferences.

What are the types of Lasting Power of Attorney in Singapore?

In Singapore, there are two main types of LPA available through the Office of the Public Guardian. Choosing the right type depends on your needs and the level of detail you require.

This includes:

LPA Form 1 (Standard Form) – this is the simpler and most used option. It is suitable for most individuals and covers standard arrangements, making it a cost-effective choice.

LPA Form 2 (Customised Form) – this form is used when more complex or customised arrangements are needed. It requires legal drafting and approval and is often chosen by those with specific or detailed instructions regarding their personal or financial matters.

What decisions can a Lasting Power of Attorney in Singapore cover?

An LPA can cover a broad range of decisions that may need to be made if you lose mental capacity. These generally fall into two areas:

Personal welfare decisions – this includes matters such as your medical treatment, healthcare decisions and living arrangements. It allows your donee to act in your best interests when it comes to your care and well-being.

Property and financial matters – this covers the management of your finances, including access to bank accounts, property transactions and investments. With an LPA in place, you can be assured that your assets are managed responsibly by someone you trust.

Why is Lasting Power of Attorney important?

benefits of lpa. — An LPA gives you control over your future and reassures your loved ones that your wishes will be respected.

Without an LPA, your family may face challenges in making decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. As such, an LPA helps you:

Protect your personal interests by ensuring your values and choices are respected.
Give peace of mind to loved ones by providing clear authority to act.
Avoid costly legal disputes that may arise when decision-making authority is unclear.
Ensure continuity of care and financial management without unnecessary delays.

By planning ahead, you remove uncertainty and create a clear path for your future care and financial security.

Who can benefit from the Lasting Power of Attorney?

An LPA is not only for the elderly or those with existing health concerns. It is a valuable safeguard for many different groups of people who want to ensure their wishes are respected.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Young adults planning ahead – from the age of 21, anyone can make an LPA. Even if you are healthy, planning early provides long-term security.

Working professionals with dependents – those supporting families or managing significant financial responsibilities can benefit from appointing someone they trust to step in if needed.

Older adults – with age, the likelihood of medical conditions that may affect mental capacity increases. An LPA ensures decisions are not left to chance.

Individuals with chronic health conditions – those living with illnesses that may affect the brain or nervous system, such as dementia or stroke, often find reassurance in putting an LPA in place.

Anyone who values peace of mind – ultimately, an LPA is for anyone who wants to reduce uncertainty, avoid family disputes and protect their personal and financial well-being.

What are the requirements for making a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Not everyone automatically qualifies to make an LPA. The law in Singapore sets out specific requirements to ensure that only those who fully understand the decision can do so. You are eligible if:

You are at least 21 years old – LPAs can only be made by adults.
You have mental capacity at the time of application – this means you must be able to understand the document, its purpose and the implications of appointing someone to act on your behalf.
You are not an undischarged bankrupt – this is if your LPA covers property and financial matters. Bankruptcy does not prevent you from appointing someone for personal welfare matters, but it does restrict financial authority.

If you meet these conditions, you can prepare an LPA and decide who you trust most to make important decisions for you. Starting the process early helps ensure your wishes are clearly recorded and legally protected.

Who can be an appointed donee in your LPA?

who can be a donee for lpa in Singapore. — Picking someone you trust means your care and wellbeing will always be in safe hands.

A donee is the person you appoint in your LPA to act on your behalf. Due to its significant role, it is important to choose the right person. Some of the requirements that a donee should meet are:

Eligibility criteria – a donee must be at least 21 years old and must have the mental capacity to take on the role.
Trusted individuals – many people appoint a family member, close friend or professional whom they trust to act in their best interests.
Multiple donees – you may choose more than one donee. They can be appointed to act jointly in all matters or separately, depending on your preference and level of trust.

How can I apply for a Lasting Power of Attorney in Singapore?

The application process is designed to be clear and accessible, but it is important to go through each step carefully to ensure your LPA is valid and properly registered.

Generally, it entails:

STEPS	PROCESS
Complete the LPA form online	Begin by filling in the relevant LPA form through the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) portal. You will need to provide details of your chosen donee or donees, specify the areas in which they can act and indicate whether they should act jointly or separately.
Get the form certified	The completed form must be certified by an accredited medical practitioner, psychiatrist or lawyer. Certification is essential because it confirms that you understand the purpose and consequences of the LPA and that you are not being forced into signing it. This safeguard protects both you and your future wishes.
Submit the form to the OPG	Once certified, the form is submitted to the Office of the Public Guardian for processing. At this stage, the OPG will check that the application is complete, valid and properly signed.
Wait for registration	There is a mandatory waiting period before the LPA is officially recognised. This period allows time for objections to be raised if necessary. Once the waiting period is over and no valid objections are received, the OPG will register your LPA and issue confirmation. Only then does the LPA come into legal effect.

What is Phoenix Medical Group’s role in LPA certification?

Our team of accredited doctors is authorised to certify LPAs. This step is crucial as it ensures you are making the decision voluntarily and with full understanding. At Phoenix Medical Group, we approach this process with professionalism, impartiality and sensitivity.

We also provide a supportive environment for you and your family, guiding you through the certification process and answering any questions you may have. Our goal is to make this step straightforward and hassle-free while respecting your wishes and privacy.

Our commitment to your health and long-term needs

Phoenix Medical Group has long been a trusted partner in family healthcare. We bring this same commitment to our role in LPA certification. By choosing us as your LPA certification, you will receive:

Trusted family doctors who understand the long-term needs of patients.
Convenient clinic locations across Singapore for easy access.
Personalised, patient-centred support to guide you through the process.
Experience in medical and legal considerations, ensuring clarity and peace of mind.

Planning ahead is one of the most meaningful ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. An LPA ensures that decisions about your health and finances are made by people you trust, even if you cannot make them yourself.

Book an appointment with us today to have your LPA certified and take a positive step towards safeguarding your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an LPA to be registered?

The process usually takes a few weeks, including the mandatory waiting period. However, timelines may vary depending on the Office of the Public Guardian’s workload and whether there are any objections.

Does my LPA take effect immediately after registration?

No. Your LPA only takes effect if you lose mental capacity. While you still have capacity, you continue to make your own decisions.

At what age should I do an LPA?

You can make an LPA once you turn 21. Many people choose to do so while they are still healthy, as future capacity cannot be guaranteed.

Can I change or cancel my LPA later?

Yes. As long as you still have mental capacity, you can revoke or amend your LPA at any time.

What happens if I do not make an LPA?

If you lose mental capacity without an LPA, your family may need to apply to the court for the right to manage your affairs. This process is often costly, time-consuming and stressful.

What if my donee is unable to act for me?

You can appoint more than one donee or specify a replacement donee in your LPA to ensure continuity if your original donee cannot act.

Is my LPA valid outside Singapore?

An LPA made in Singapore is recognised under Singapore law. Other countries may have their own requirements, so it is best to seek legal advice if you need arrangements overseas.

Do I need a lawyer to make an LPA?

Not necessarily. Most people use LPA Form 1, which does not require a lawyer. You only need legal assistance if you require customised arrangements under LPA Form 2.

How much does it cost to certify an LPA?

The certification fee varies depending on the certifying professional. At Phoenix Medical Group, we provide clear guidance on costs upfront. This is to ensure you know what to expect.

What is the difference between an LPA and an Advanced Medical Directive (AMD)?

An LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) allows you to appoint someone to make a wide range of decisions on your behalf, covering both personal welfare and financial matters, in the event that you lose mental capacity.

An AMD (Advanced Medical Directive) is different, as it only applies to medical decisions about life-sustaining treatment when you are terminally ill and unable to express your wishes. Application for an AMD is also available at Phoenix Medical Group and can be requested through our clinic.

An AMD is different as it only applies to medical decisions about life-sustaining treatment when you are terminally ill and unable to express your wishes. In other words, an LPA is broader in scope, while an AMD is specific to end-of-life care.