Lasting Power of Attorney Singapore

You may need a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore if you want to plan for the possibility of losing mental capacity in the future, whether due to illness, injury, or old age. An LPA can ensure that your wishes are respected and that someone you trust is making decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Having an LPA in place can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have taken steps to ensure that your affairs will be managed according to your wishes if the need arises. This can include decisions about your personal welfare, such as where you will live and what medical treatment you will receive, as well as financial decisions, such as managing your assets and paying your bills.

If you don't have an LPA in place, your family may have to apply to the court for a Guardianship Order if you become mentally incapacitated, which can be a lengthy and expensive process. By having an LPA in place, you can avoid this and ensure that the right people are making decisions on your behalf, based on your wishes.

To apply for a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore, the following criteria must be met:

Age: The person making the LPA (known as the "donor") must be at least 21 years old and have mental capacity at the time of making the LPA.

Mental capacity: The donor must understand the nature and effect of the LPA and must not be under any duress or undue influence when making it.

Appointing an attorney: The donor must appoint at least one person to be their attorney. The attorney must be over 21 years old and have mental capacity. The donor may appoint multiple attorneys, but they must act jointly unless the LPA specifies otherwise.

Signature: The LPA must be signed by the donor in the presence of witnesses who are not appointed as attorneys and are not beneficiaries under the donor's Will.

Registration: The LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian in Singapore.

The following documents are typically required when applying for a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore:

LPA Draft: This is the main document that sets out the donor's wishes and appoints an attorney. The form must be completed and signed by the donor in accordance with the requirements set out by the Office of the Public Guardian in Singapore. The Donor must appoint a Donee (Nominee) for the LPA to proceed.

Appointment of Donee: Donee has to accept the appointment on Singpass/Office of the Public Guardian in Singapore (OPG) Website.

Declaration of Witness Form: This form must be completed and signed by the two witnesses who are present when the donor signs the LPA Form. The witnesses must not be appointed as attorneys and must not be beneficiaries under the donor's Will.

Identity Documents: Photocopies of the donor's and attorney's identification documents, such as passport or NRIC, must be submitted with the LPA Form and Declaration of Witness Form.

Proof of Address: The donor and attorney must provide proof of their address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Payment of fees: The registration fee for an LPA must be paid to the Office of the Public Guardian.

*Please bring along smartphones with Singpass App installed to set up your National Digital Identity (NDI). This is required to receive the LPA access code and to sign digitally using NDI. Please bring along the SAME phone that is used for the LPA Draft.

It is important to note that additional documents may be required in specific circumstances, such as when the donor has appointed a deputy to manage their property and affairs. It is recommended that you seek legal advice to ensure that you have all the necessary documents when applying for an LPA in Singapore.

Regis Medical GP Doctors are able to issue LPA Certificate