The short answer
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document under the Mental Capacity Act 2008 that lets a person aged 21 or above (the donor) appoint one or more trusted persons (donees) to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity. Without an LPA, your family cannot simply step in: they must apply to court to be appointed your deputy, a process that is slower, more expensive and more intrusive than making an LPA while you are well.
What decisions can my donee make?
An LPA can grant powers over two areas. Personal welfare covers decisions about where you live, your day-to-day care and your medical treatment. Property and affairs covers your bank accounts, property, investments and bills. You can appoint the same donee for both, different donees for each, or more than one donee acting jointly or jointly and severally. Donees must act in your best interests and in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2008, which include the presumption that a person has capacity unless it is established otherwise.
How do I make an LPA in Singapore?
- Choose your donees. They must be at least 21 years old. For property and affairs, a donee must not be an undischarged bankrupt.
- Complete LPA Form 1 (which suits most people) on the Office of the Public Guardian Online (OPGO) portal. Form 2 is for those who want customised powers and must be drafted by a lawyer.
- See a certificate issuer. An accredited medical practitioner, practising lawyer or psychiatrist must witness and certify that you understand the LPA and are not under undue pressure.
- Registration. The LPA takes effect only after the Office of the Public Guardian registers it, and your donees may act only if you lose capacity.
How much does an LPA cost in 2026?
The application fee for LPA Form 1 has been permanently waived for Singapore citizens from 1 April 2026. Permanent residents and foreigners pay an application fee (S$90 and S$230 respectively under the current fee schedule). Separately, every applicant pays a professional fee to the certificate issuer, which varies by provider. Form 2 involves legal drafting fees in addition.
What happens if I lose capacity without an LPA?
Your family must apply to court under the Mental Capacity Act 2008 for one or more persons to be appointed your deputy. Deputyship applications take months, involve legal and medical costs, and the court decides who is appointed and what powers they receive. In the meantime, your bank accounts and property are effectively frozen for your family’s purposes, including monies needed for your own care. An LPA made early avoids all of this and keeps the choice of decision-maker in your hands.
Frequently asked questions
Can I revoke my LPA?
Yes. While you retain mental capacity you may revoke your LPA at any time by applying to the Office of the Public Guardian. An LPA is also revoked in certain events, for example the donor’s or donee’s death or bankruptcy (for property and affairs powers).
Is an LPA the same as a will?
No. An LPA operates while you are alive but lack capacity; a will takes effect only on death. A complete estate plan usually includes both, plus CPF and insurance nominations, and for some clients an Advance Medical Directive.
Can a foreigner make a Singapore LPA?
Yes, foreigners may make an LPA in Singapore, and it is often sensible for foreigners with Singapore assets or long-term residence to do so.
When should my donee’s powers start?
Donees may only act when you lack capacity in relation to the decision in question. Capacity is decision-specific and time-specific, and doctors are usually involved in assessing it.
Get your LPA done properly
Johnathan Lee advises on LPAs, acts as certificate issuer, drafts customised Form 2 LPAs, and handles deputyship applications where no LPA exists.
Johnathan Lee, Advocate & Solicitor · 81A Clemenceau Avenue Park, Clemenceau Suites, Suite No. 23, Level 4, Singapore 239918
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. The law stated is as at July 2026. Fee figures are as published by the Office of the Public Guardian and may change.