Introduction

In Singapore, many families only discover the importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) when it’s already too late. Without an LPA, if a loved one loses mental capacity, the family must go through a Deputyship application in court—a process that is slower, more expensive, and emotionally draining.

The good news? You can protect your parents, your loved ones, and yourself by planning ahead. In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• What an LPA is and why it matters.

• How to apply for an LPA step by step.

• What Deputyship involves if no LPA exists.

• Why acting early can save your family unnecessary stress and financial burden.
  

At the end, you’ll also be able to download MMF’s Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an LPA in Singapore—and as a bonus, get our Deputyship Guide for free.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore?

An LPA is a legal document that allows a person (the Donor) to appoint one or more trusted individuals (Donees) to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity in the future.

Key people involved:

• Donor: The person making the LPA (must be at least 21 years old, mentally capable).
  

• Donee(s): Trusted individuals appointed to make decisions (must be 21+, not bankrupt).
  

• Certificate Issuer: A lawyer, doctor, or psychiatrist who certifies that the Donor understands the LPA and is not under duress.
  

An LPA ensures your wishes are respected, and your family avoids the long and costly Deputyship process later.

Step-by-Step Process of Applying for an LPA

Step 1 – Discuss with Your Donee(s)

Choose someone you fully trust. Talk about responsibilities to make sure they’re willing and prepared.

Step 2 – Apply Online via OPGO

• Log in with Singpass at the Office of the Public Guardian Online (OPGO).
  

• Fill in LPA Form 1 (for most people).
  

• Currently, the application fee is waived for Singaporeans until March 2026.

Step 3 – Donee Accepts Appointment

Your Donee(s) will be notified by SMS/email and must log in to accept.

Step 4 – Certification by a Certificate Issuer

Meet an accredited CI in person. They’ll confirm your identity, assess understanding, and digitally certify your LPA.

Step 5 – Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)

• The form is submitted digitally.
  

• A three-week waiting period allows for objections or changes.
  

• If all is clear, your LPA is officially registered.
  

What is Deputyship in Singapore?

Deputyship is a court process where the Family Justice Courts appoint a Deputy to make decisions for someone who has already lost mental capacity and did not make an LPA.

• Governed by the Mental Capacity Act (Cap. 177A).
  

• Usually involves close family members applying to court.
  

• Powers are limited to what the court grants—covering either personal welfare or property & financial affairs.
  

LPA vs Deputyship – The Key Differences

LPA (Proactive)

Timing: Made while the person still has capacity

Control: You choose your Donee

Cost: Waiver + small certification fee

Duration: Weeks

Stress Level: Minimal

Deputyship (Reactive)

Timing: Only when person has already lost capacity

Control: Court decides who becomes Deputy

Cost: $2,500 – $7,000+ in legal & medical fees

Duration: 4–6 months (or longer if contested)

Stress Level: High — court processes, delays, family tension

Simply put: LPA is cheaper, faster, and gives you control. Deputyship is the fallback if you don’t plan ahead.

Step-by-Step Deputyship Application Process

Step 1 – Obtain Medical Report

Doctor must certify that the person lacks mental capacity.

Step 2 – Prepare Documents

• NRIC of applicant and dependent.

• List of assets, liabilities, family details.

• Application Kit (usually Kit C for standard cases).

Step 3 – File Application in Court

Usually done through a lawyer via the eLitigation system.

Step 4 – Serve Documents

Serve the dependent and relevant family members (they can object within 21 days).

Step 5 – Court Hearing & Order

Judge reviews and, if satisfied, grants the Order of Court.

Step 6 – Registration with OPG

Pay $50 to register as Deputy. Deputies must also submit Annual Reports to the OPG.

👉 For smaller estates (<$80k), a simplified Deputyship track is available via OPG-designated hubs.

Why You Should Apply for an LPA Early

• Save thousands in legal fees by avoiding Deputyship.
  

• Prevent months of delays in decision-making.
  

• Protect your parents’ or your own future with trusted Donees.
  

• Peace of mind knowing your family won’t be caught unprepared.
  

💡 In Islamic estate planning, appointing a Donee is also an amanah (trust)—a responsibility to ensure your loved ones are cared for according to your values and wishes.

Download Your Free Step-by-Step Guide

📥 Download MMF's Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an LPA in Singapore → Click Here

🎁 Bonus: Receive our Deputyship Guide FREE with your download.

More Free Resources for You

To help you and your family plan comprehensively, here are more free resources we’ve created:

• 📘 Zakat Guide – Learn how to calculate and fulfill your Zakat obligations in Singapore.
  

• 🕊️ Singapore Death Guide – Step-by-step on what to do when a loved one passes away.
  

• 📖 Islamic Inheritance Guide (Free Chapter) – Discover how Islamic inheritance (Faraid) works and why proper planning is crucial.
  
  

These resources complement your LPA planning by covering other important aspects of financial, legal, and spiritual responsibilities.

FAQs About LPA and Deputyship in Singapore

Q1: How long does an LPA take to process?
Typically 3–6 weeks, including the mandatory waiting period.

Q2: What if my parents already lost mental capacity?
You cannot apply for LPA anymore. You must go through Deputyship via the Family Justice Courts.

Q3: Who can be a Donee or Deputy?
Must be at least 21, mentally capable, and not bankrupt (for financial powers). Usually family members.

Q4: Can I apply for both LPA and Deputyship?
No—LPA is proactive, Deputyship is reactive. You either apply LPA early or resort to Deputyship later.

Conclusion

When it comes to protecting your loved ones, timing is everything. Applying for an LPA while you (or your parents) still have mental capacity saves your family the stress, cost, and delays of Deputyship.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start planning today.

👉 Download MMF’s LPA Guide with Bonus Deputyship Guide and explore our other free resources on Zakat, death arrangements, and inheritance to give your family true peace of mind.