Lasting Power of Attorney
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
The LPA is a legal document and a deed, which allows a person who is at least 21 years of age (‘Donor’), to voluntarily appoint one or more persons (‘Donee(s)’) to make decisions and act on his/her behalf if he/she loses mental capacity one day.
A Donee can be appointed to act in the two broad areas of personal welfare and/or property & affairs matters. The LPA also gives the authority to the Donee to sign deeds on the Donor’s behalf.
Why Is an LPA Important?
While contemplating incapacity may seem grim, having an LPA is crucial to ensure your long-term interests are well-managed. It empowers your trusted representative to make decisions aligning with your wishes, whether related to healthcare or asset management, should you face misfortune or incapacity.
Additionally, an LPA alleviates stress for your loved ones, as it eliminates the need for them to apply for a court order to manage your affairs, which could lead to delays in receiving preferred treatments.
How to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
The process of applying for an LPA in Singapore involves three steps:
Step 1: Complete the LPA Form Online Depending on your preferences, there are two types of LPA forms:
LPA Form 1: This default form grants your donee general powers with some basic restrictions to make decisions on your behalf.
LPA Form 2: If you want to specify the exact scope of your donee’s power, consult a lawyer to draft a formal document.
Both forms can be filled out online. Complete your chosen form and ask your appointed donees to accept their nomination.
Step 2: Certification by an LPA Certificate Issuer Your LPA must be witnessed and certified by an LPA Certificate Issuer. In Singapore, an LPA can be issued by accredited medical practitioners, practicing lawyers, or registered psychiatrists. The certification session typically takes about 25-30 minutes, and your appointed donees don’t need to be present at the clinic.
Step 3: Registration by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) After your LPA is certified at an LPA clinic, you’ll need to self-apply for official registration with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). You will receive an SMS or email notification once your LPA is officially registered.
Where to Find a Certificate Issuer?
You may get your LPA certified at our Distinct Clinic Jurong East Branch. Just drop us a enquiry form or WhatsApp for an appointment.