Imagine a situation where you're unable to make decisions about your finances or healthcare. Who would you trust to step in and handle things for you? As we all know, Lasting Power of Attorney can provide peace of mind by giving someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf.
In this blog, we'll break down the process of making an LPA in Singapore into simple steps. We'll cover everything from choosing your donee to getting your LPA certified. Let's ensure your wishes are respected, even when you can't speak for yourself. Keep reading to learn more.
Who Can Make A Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a vital legal document in Singapore. But who exactly has the authority to create an LPA in Singapore?
Here's a breakdown of the eligibility:
Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
Mental Capacity: You must possess the mental capacity to understand the implications of creating an LPA. This means you can comprehend the document's purpose and the powers you're granting to your appointed decision-maker(s).
Bankruptcy Status: If you're appointing someone to manage your property and affairs, you cannot be a bankrupt individual.
The person you select as your Donee carries significant responsibility. Here are some key considerations:
Trustworthiness: This is paramount. Choose someone you completely trust to act in your best interests.
Reliability: Ensure your Donee is dependable and can be counted on to fulfil their duties.
Competence: The ideal Donee should have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the decisions entrusted to them, be it personal welfare or property and financial matters.
By planning ahead and creating a Lasting Power of Attorney, you ensure your wishes are respected and your affairs are managed effectively, even if you lose mental capacity in the future.
Who Can Be A Donee for LPA?
Appointing the right Donee for your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is crucial in Singapore. This individual will make vital decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. So, who can you entrust with such a significant responsibility?
Eligibility for Donees:
Age: Your Donee must be at least 21 years old.
Mental Capacity: They must possess the mental capability to understand the intricacies of the LPA and the responsibilities it entails.
Relationship to Donor (for Personal Welfare Decisions): For decisions regarding your personal welfare (including medical care), your Donee can be anyone you trust, but they must be a natural person, not a company.
Professional Donees:
While most Donees are family members or close friends, Singapore allows for professional Donees. These are individuals or organisations that act as Donees for a fee. However, professional Donees appointed as individuals cannot be related to you by blood or marriage. Additionally, professional Donees acting as organisations can only manage your property and financial affairs, not personal welfare decisions.
Making an Informed Decision:
Choosing your Donee is a significant step. Consider discussing your LPA with potential Donees to ensure they understand their role and are comfortable taking on the responsibility. Consulting a Legacy Planning expert can be beneficial if you have a complex situation or require specific advice.
By carefully selecting a trustworthy and competent Donee, you can gain peace of mind knowing your affairs will be handled according to your wishes, even if you lose mental capacity in the future.
How to Make a Lasting Power of Attorney?
There are three main steps to making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore:
Step 1: Donor completes the LPA online via OPGO
During the application, you'll provide details about your chosen donee(s) and answer questions about the powers you're granting them. There are application fees, though Singapore citizens currently have waived fees for Form 1 applications submitted before March 31, 2026.
Step 2: Donee accepts the appointment
Your chosen donee(s) will be notified electronically and will need to accept their appointment online.
Step 3: Certificate issuer certifies and witnesses Donor’s signing of LPA
Visit a Certificate Issuer (a practising lawyer, medical practitioner accredited by Public Guardian, or a registered psychiatrist) to have your LPA certified. You must bring your mobile phone with the installed Singpass app and enable digital signing. The CI will verify your identity and mental capacity, and then certify your LPA through the OPGO.
By taking this step to create a Lasting Power of Attorney, you're ensuring your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are empowered to make important decisions on your behalf if needed. It's a thoughtful and proactive way to plan for the future and provide peace of mind for yourself and your family.
Benefits of Having a Lasting Power of Attorney in Singapore
Here are some of the benefits of having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore:
Peace of mind: Knowing that someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This can be a huge relief for you and your loved ones.
Prevents disputes: An LPA can help to avoid disagreements among family members or loved ones about your care and finances. By appointing someone you trust to make decisions in advance, you can help to ensure that your wishes are respected.
Ensures your wishes are respected: You can appoint someone who understands your wishes and values to make decisions in accordance with them. This is especially important for medical decisions.
Flexibility: You can appoint more than one person to act as your attorney, and you can specify when and how they can act on your behalf. For example, you could appoint one person to handle your finances and another person to make decisions about your medical care.
Having a Lasting Power of Attorney in Singapore is a simple and effective way to plan for the future and ensure that your wishes are respected.
Let The Life Legacy guide you through your LPA journey. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you make an LPA.
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