A lasting power of attorney (LPA) helps you appoint people you trust to act on your behalf if you should lose mental capacity. Learn about the importance of having an LPA and how to go about making one.
- Plan ahead with an LPA to safeguard your interests and for peace of mind.
- Appoint someone you trust to make decisions and act on your behalf should you ever lose mental capacity.
- A family member is not automatically given the right to make legal decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity. This can hinder their ability to care for you.
Many of us actively plan ahead for the future by saving up, investing, and buying insurance.
We do this because we want to be sure that we are prepared for a rainy day. We also want to be sure that we don’t inconvenience our family members too much when they care for us in the future.
But how many of us actually plan for the possibility that we may lose our mental capacity?
What is an LPA?
An LPA is a legal document that lets you (the donor) appoint one or more people you trust to be your donees. They will act and make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity one day.
You must be 21 or older and have mental capacity to make your LPA.
Your donees can be appointed to act in two broad areas:
- personal welfare, and
- property and affairs.
What if you don't have an LPA?
If you don't have an LPA and you lose mental capacity, your family member is not automatically given the right to make legal decisions on your behalf. This can hinder their ability to care for you.
As they have not been legally appointed to do so beforehand, they may face difficulties trying to:
- make care arrangements,
- manage your bank accounts and properties, or
- decide how best to use your funds for your day-to-day needs.
Your family member will have to apply to Court to be appointed as your deputy, before they are authorised to make decisions and act on your behalf.
Compared to making an LPA, the deputyship application process will not only take longer to complete, but will also cost more.
Which LPA form should you use?
There are two LPA forms, with LPA Form 1 being the most widely used:
| LPA Form 1 | LPA Form 2 |
|---|---|
|
|
Download: LPA forms and documents
Making an LPA using Form 1
To make an LPA using Form 1, download the form and follow these steps:
1. Choose one or more donees
Choose your donees wisely. Choose what decision powers to grant to them. If you have more than one donee, decide how they are to act.
2. Get the LPA Certificate issued
See an LPA Certificate Issuer. This critical safeguard ensures that you do not make an LPA under pressure or duress. You can approach a professional from one of these groups to issue an LPA certificate:
- Accredited medical practitioner
- Lawyer
- Psychiatrist
The top 10 most visited accredited medical practitioners charge fees ranging from $25 to $80. Most charge $50 for the service.
3. Submit your LPA
Submit your completed LPA application to the Office of the Public Guardian online.
Not sure how to fill up Form 1 or make an advance care plan? Try this self-guided tool which will help you do so.
Note
Application fees are waived until 31 March 2026. To encourage more Singaporeans to pre-plan, the Office of the Public Guardian has extended the LPA application fee waiver for Singaporeans making an LPA Form 1 to 31 March 2026.Learn more about LPA
Visit the Office of the Public Guardian website for more detailed information on the LPA, guidebooks and instructions on how to apply.
