Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

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A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows a person aged 21 or older, referred to as the ‘Donor’, to voluntarily appoint one or more trusted individuals, called ‘Donee(s)’, to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity in the future. LPAs are governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2008 and is a safeguard for individuals who may suffer from conditions like dementia, stroke, or brain injury. Donees can be given the authority to act in one or both of the following areas:

  • Personal welfare (e.g., healthcare, living arrangements)
  • Property and financial affairs (e.g., managing bank accounts, handling property)


Individuals are encouraged to make an LPA as it gives them control and choice when they have mental capacity while also avoiding legal hassle.

Firstly, the LPA lets a person choose someone they trust to act in their best interests if they lose mental capacity. Next, it saves their family from having to apply to the court for a Deputyship Order, which is more complex and costly.

There are 2 types of LPA Forms available: Form 1 and Form 2. LPA Form 1 is most used in Singapore. This form grants Donees general powers with standard restrictions. LPA Form 2 is for those who require customised authority beyond the standard form. This form must be prepared by a lawyer.

The steps to procure an LPA is as follows:
  1. The Donor has to complete the LPA Form online via the Office of the Public Guardian Online System (OPGO).
  2. The Donees accepts the appointment via OPGO.
  3. The Donor has to visit a Certified Issuer (CI) which is usually a lawyer or medical practitioner, to have the LPA certified. Only certified and registered LPAs are deemed to be valid and enforceable.

Remember, LPA comes into effect only after the Donor loses mental capacity.

If you have any questions on LPA, you may contact our team:
Geralyn Danker, Director