Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
Common questions about Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore: what it is, why it matters, how it works, who you can appoint, and key things to know before and after creating one.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you (the donor), who is at least 21 years old and has mental capacity, to voluntarily appoint one or more trusted persons (donee(s)) to make decisions and act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. The LPA can cover personal welfare and/or property & affairs matters.
An LPA lets you choose who will make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity, giving clarity and peace of mind. It also helps your loved ones avoid the costly, time-consuming and complex process of applying for a court-appointed deputyship if you become incapable without one.
An LPA can empower your donee(s) to make decisions about your personal welfare (such as healthcare and living arrangements) and/or your property & affairs (such as managing finances, paying bills and handling assets) if you lose mental capacity.
You can appoint one or more trusted individuals, such as family members, friends, or other reliable persons, to be your donee(s). You may also name a replacement donee to act if your original donee(s) cannot serve.
To make an LPA, log in to the Office of the Public Guardian Online (OPGO) portal with SingPass, complete the LPA application, appoint your donee(s) and decide on powers, have the LPA certified by a Certificate Issuer (such as an accredited doctor, lawyer or psychiatrist), and submit it for registration with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
If you lose mental capacity without an LPA, your family members are not automatically given the legal authority to make decisions for you. They would need to apply to the Family Justice Courts for a Deputyship order, a process that is typically lengthy, costly, and may take several months for approval.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Confirm your own position with a qualified professional or the relevant agency.
See how LPA fits into end-of-life planning
Lasting Power of Attorney is one part of a broader end-of-life planning process that can also include CPF nomination, funeral planning, and final resting arrangements.