Have you ever wondered what happens if you lose mental capacity?
It can be a time of uncertainty and distress for your loved ones. Without clear instructions, they may face difficulties making everyday decisions for you, such as:
- What you eat, wear, or do daily
- Where you should live and who you can interact with
- Managing your bank accounts, CPF funds, and other finances
- Handling your mail and personal affairs
- Making healthcare or medical treatment decisions
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
A LPA is a legal document that allows you (the Donor) while you still have mental capacity to appoint someone you trust (the Donee) to make decisions on your behalf, if you lose mental capacity.
This ensures that someone you choose and trust can step in to manage your personal welfare and financial matters smoothly.
Who can be a Donee?
Your Donee must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be someone you trust, can be a spouse, family members or close friends who will act in your best interests
- Be a Licensed Trust Company (for Property & Affairs matters only)
- Be a Professional Deputy registered with the Public Guardian
If you do not have an LPA, someone must apply to court to be appointed as your deputy, which can be time-consuming, costly and stressful for your loved ones.
For those without suitable family members or close friends
The Professional Deputies and Donees Scheme (PDD) allows you to appoint registered professionals to act as their proxy decision makers.
With a LPA, your appointed donee(s) will have the right and legal authority to manage your personal welfare and/ or affairs matters.
Without an LPA, a deputy will be appointed. The process can be cumbersome and costly to apply to the Courts for legal authority.
What decisions can a donee or deputy make?
- Personal welfare
- Property and affairs
Types of LPA Forms
The LPA Form 1 allows you to appoint up to 2 Donees and 1 Replacement Donee, granting him/ her/ them powers to decide on your personal welfare, property and affairs, or both.
The application fee ($70) for LPA Form 1 will be waived up to 31 March 2026 for all Singaporean Citizens.
The LPA Form 2 has to be prepared by a lawyer. You may appoint more than 2 donees and more than 1 Replacement Donee. Your donee(s) may be granted specific or customised powers.
If a Donee becomes bankrupt, their powers to manage your property and affairs are revoked. To ensure continuity and impartiality, consider appointing a Licensed Trust Company to manage your financial matters through a trust, helping to reduce the burden on your loved ones while ensuring that your funds are properly protected and used for your care needs.
Plan ahead and give your loved ones a peace of mind
Making an LPA allows you to choose who will make important decisions for you, without delay or legal complications.
A deputy or donee can learn more about his/ her role on the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) website: www.msf.gov.sg/opg
By planning ahead, you:
- Protect your wishes
- Reduce the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones
- Ensure continuity and proper care in the event of mental incapacity
- Ensure that your mental incapacity has the least impact on your loved ones.
Have questions? We’re happy to help and guide you through the process.