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    Lasting Power of Attorney: Protecting Your Family's Future

    8 min readPublished on 22 December 2025
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    What happens if your elderly parent can no longer make decisions about their healthcare or finances? Without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), even close family members may face legal barriers to helping. This guide explains why LPA is essential and how to apply while your loved one still has mental capacity.

    What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

    A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows a person (the donor) to appoint someone they trust (the donee) to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity. Unlike a regular power of attorney, an LPA remains valid even after the donor loses capacity.

    Key Terms

    <strong>Donor:</strong> The person creating the LPA<br/><strong>Donee:</strong> The person(s) appointed to make decisions<br/><strong>Mental Capacity:</strong> The ability to make decisions for oneself

    Why is LPA Important?

    Without an LPA, family members cannot legally make decisions for an incapacitated loved one—even for routine matters. The alternative is applying to court for deputyship, which is expensive, time-consuming, and stressful.

    Timing is Critical

    LPA must be made while the donor still has mental capacity. Once dementia or other conditions affect decision-making, it's too late. Start the conversation early.

    • Access and manage bank accounts
    • Sell or manage property
    • Make healthcare decisions
    • Decide on care arrangements
    • Handle CPF and insurance matters
    • Make decisions about daily living

    Types of LPA

    There are two forms of LPA in Singapore, covering different types of decisions.

    Which to Choose?

    Form 1 is sufficient for most families. Choose Form 2 only if you need specific restrictions, like limiting the donee's power over certain assets.

    • Form 1 (General): Uses standard powers with no restrictions. Simpler and cheaper.
    • Form 2 (Customized): Allows specific instructions, restrictions, or conditions. More complex and costly.

    How to Apply for LPA

    The application process involves several steps and requires a certificate issuer to verify the donor's mental capacity.

    Certificate Issuers

    Accredited doctors, lawyers, or psychiatrists can be Certificate Issuers. Medical doctors are often the most accessible and affordable option.

    • Step 1: Discuss and decide on donee(s) with your family
    • Step 2: Download LPA form from OPG website or use online application
    • Step 3: Complete the form (donor and donee details, powers granted)
    • Step 4: Visit a Certificate Issuer to verify mental capacity
    • Step 5: Submit form to Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
    • Step 6: OPG registers the LPA (usually within 3-4 weeks)

    LPA Costs

    LPA costs vary depending on the form type and certificate issuer chosen. Government subsidies are available for Singapore Citizens.

    Free for Seniors

    Singapore Citizens aged 70+ may qualify for free LPA certification through the Public Guardian's volunteer programme. Check OPG website for details.

    • OPG registration fee: $75 (Form 1) or $200 (Form 2)
    • Certificate Issuer fee: $25-$80 (doctor) or $50-$300 (lawyer)
    • Lawyer drafting fees (if used): $200-$500+
    • Total typical cost: $100-$600 depending on approach

    Choosing the Right Donee

    The donee is entrusted with significant responsibilities. Choosing the right person is crucial.

    Multiple Donees

    You can appoint donees to act jointly (both must agree) or jointly and severally (either can act). Consider what works best for your family dynamics.

    • Must be at least 21 years old
    • Must not be an undischarged bankrupt (for property/financial matters)
    • Should be trustworthy and willing to act in donor's best interests
    • Consider appointing more than one donee for checks and balances
    • Discuss expectations and wishes with chosen donees
    • Consider appointing replacement donees

    Key Takeaways

    • 1LPA allows trusted persons to make decisions if you lose mental capacity
    • 2Must be created while the donor still has capacity—don't delay
    • 3Form 1 (General) is simpler and sufficient for most families
    • 4Total cost typically $100-$600; free for some seniors 70+
    • 5Part of broader legal planning including wills and advance care plans

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