Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint one or more trusted persons to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity.
LPA is prepared while a person has mental capacity, so decisions do not have to be made under pressure during uncertain or difficult situations.
Summary (Quick Take)
- LPA is a legal document in Singapore that appoints trusted decision-makers if mental capacity is lost
- It can cover personal welfare and/or property and financial matters (depending on the LPA scope)
- LPA only takes effect if the donor loses mental capacity under the required certification process
- LPA is different from ACP and AMD, but the three are often discussed together as a planning framework
- Making an LPA early is not pessimistic — it reduces confusion and future family conflict
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal instrument regulated in Singapore that enables a person (the donor) to appoint one or more donees to act on their behalf if they are no longer able to make decisions independently.
A simple way to understand LPA is:
LPA clarifies who can decide for you, if you cannot decide for yourself.
What decisions can an LPA cover?
An LPA can cover decisions relating to:
- personal welfare matters, and/or
- property and financial matters
This depends on how the LPA is structured.
These decisions are activated only if the donor loses mental capacity. Donees must act in the donor’s best interests.
Who should consider making an LPA in Singapore?
In Singapore, making an LPA is relevant for adults who wish to ensure their affairs are managed according to their intentions if mental capacity is lost.
Many individuals consider an LPA as part of early planning — not because they expect incapacity — but to avoid uncertainty, misunderstandings, and family conflict later.
LPA is commonly discussed alongside ACP and AMD, as each tool serves a different role in forward planning.
How LPA differs from ACP and AMD
In Singapore, ACP, LPA, and AMD are often discussed together, but they serve different and complementary purposes.
How LPA differs from ACP
Advance Care Planning (ACP) focuses on values, preferences, and communication — helping families understand what matters most in future care and decision situations.
LPA, however, is a formal legal document that appoints decision-makers.
How LPA differs from AMD
Advance Medical Directive (AMD) relates specifically to extraordinary life-sustaining treatment under strict end-of-life conditions.
LPA allows appointed persons to make broader decisions on behalf of the donor if mental capacity is lost.
When should an LPA be made?
An LPA must be made while the donor still has mental capacity.
For this reason, many people choose to prepare an LPA earlier in life, so it is available if ever needed — rather than waiting until a crisis arises.
A practical checklist (before making an LPA)
You do not need to rush into action.
A calm checklist that many Singapore families find helpful:
- Who do I trust to act in my best interests?
- Am I comfortable appointing one donee, or more than one?
- Should the LPA cover personal welfare, property/financial matters, or both?
- Have I spoken to family members to reduce misunderstandings?
- Do I understand how LPA differs from ACP and AMD?
- Where will the document be kept so family can find it when needed?
Frequently asked questions about LPA in Singapore
1) Is LPA mandatory in Singapore?
No. Making an LPA in Singapore is voluntary.
2) When does an LPA take effect?
An LPA only takes effect if the donor loses mental capacity, as certified according to legal requirements.
3) Can an LPA be changed?
Yes. An LPA can be updated or replaced as long as the donor still has mental capacity.
4) Does LPA mean the donee can decide everything immediately?
No. The donee’s authority becomes active only when the donor loses mental capacity under the required conditions.
5) Is LPA the same as a will?
No. A will applies after death and relates to distribution of assets. LPA applies during life if mental capacity is lost.
6) Is LPA the same as ACP?
No. ACP focuses on values and care preferences, while LPA appoints decision-makers who can act if capacity is lost.
7) Do I need to decide immediately after reading about LPA?
No. Many people begin by learning how LPA works before deciding when or whether to proceed. Taking time is completely acceptable.
Understanding LPA does not require immediate action
Many people begin by learning how LPA works before deciding when or whether to proceed.
Taking time is completely acceptable.
Need guidance on where to begin?
We provide educational guidance to help individuals and families understand LPA — and how it differs from ACP and AMD — so decisions are made with confidence, not pressure.
Prefer a simple message instead? You may also reach out via WhatsApp when you are ready.