Many of us plan for the future by investing, buying insurance and saving up to become independent and avoid burdening loved ones to take care of us.
However, it is not guaranteed that we can remain independent like this forever. Accidents and illnesses do happen and we may lose the mental capacity to make decisions for ourselves.
Fortunately, residents in Singapore are able to submit a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) legal document to plan ahead for such situations. What’s more, the process is now made easier as LPA submissions can be done online with a few clicks!
What is an LPA and how has the submission process changed?
For the uninitiated, an LPA is a legal document that allows an appointed person who is at least 21 years of age (called the “donee”) to make medical and financial decisions on another person's behalf (the “donor”) should they lose mental capacity.
As of 14 November 2022, all applications will be made online via the new Office of the Public Guardian Online portal (OPGO). The online process is much more convenient compared to the previous where:
MyInfo from Singpass will be used to pre-fill the LPA form online instead of manually filling in information on a printed form
Forms are digitally signed via Singpass for donor and donee(s), there is no need to meet each donee to sign a hardcopy form physically
The processing and registration time for LPAs is halved from three weeks to one-and-a-half weeks, excluding the mandatory three-week waiting period
Donors and donees, including those who registered their LPAs before the launch, will be able to view their LPAs in the online portal
What is the difference between LPA form 1 and LPA form 2?
There are 2 forms with different options available when applying for an LPA:
LPA Form 1: For Donors who wish to grant Donee(s) general powers with basic restrictions.
LPA Form 2: For Donors who wish to grant Donee(s) customised powers. The clauses in the LPA Form 2 have to be drafted by a lawyer*.
If you are unsure which to apply for, 98% of Singapore Citizens who have made an LPA used the LPA Form 1.
*This refers to a Singapore solicitor qualified to practise Singapore law in a Singapore law practice.
What happens if I don’t have an LPA?
Some of us may think that a family member can easily make decisions on our behalf when we lose mental capacity, and there is no need to go through the hassle of applying for an LPA.
But here’s what happens when you don’t have an LPA.
Because your loved ones have not been legally appointed to care for you beforehand, they may face difficulties trying to:
Make care arrangements
Manage your bank accounts and properties
Decide how best to use your funds for your day-to-day needs
They have to apply to Court to be appointed as your deputy before they are authorised to make decisions and act on your behalf.
This application process will take a longer time to complete and cost more. It also adds unnecessary stress to your loved ones.
On a side note, Singapore citizens should apply for an LPA now as the application fee of $75 for LPA form 1 has been waived until 31 March 2023. Fees for LPA applications are summarised in the table below.
How do I apply online?
Step 1: Complete LPA online form via OPGO
Access the OPGO application page here
Login via Singpass to verify personal details
Fill in Donee(s) details and powers to be granted to Donee(s)
Step 2: Donne(s) to accept appointment
Access OPGO here and click on “Accept Donee’s Appointment”
Login via Singpass to verify personal details
Accept appointment as a Donee in LPA
Step 3: Visit Intemedical clinic to certify and witness Donor’s signing of LPA
This step is critical to ensure that the donor does not make an LPA under pressure or duress and has the mental capacity to do so. Intemedical offers Certificate Issuance services with accredited doctors in all clinics at a fee of SGD$50 before GST (not inclusive of the office of public guardian fees). For more information and booking appointments, contact us via:
Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210
Landline: 6243 3036
Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404
Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697
Landline: 6242 6384
WhatsApp (message only): 8022 3129
Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338
Landline: 6904 9579
WhatsApp (message only): 8061 6220
Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201
Landline: 6223 3803
WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191
Visit the Office of the Public Guardian website for more detailed information on the LPA, guidebooks and instructions on applying.