Lasting power of attorney (LPA)
Decide who can act for you when it matters most
Appoint someone you trust to manage your personal welfare and finances, should there ever come a time when you become unable to do so.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows a person (the donor) to appoint one or more people they trust (donee(s)) to make decisions and act on their behalf if they lose mental capacity.
It is governed by Singapore’s Mental Capacity Act and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
Who you can appoint as a donee
You can appoint someone you trust, such as:
- Your spouse, children or family members
- A close friend
- A licensed trust company (for certain arrangements)
You can appoint someone you trust, such as:
- Your spouse, children or family members
- A close friend
- A licensed trust company (for certain arrangements)
How many donees should I appoint?
You can appoint up to two donees and one replacement donee. The two donees can act:
- Jointly – Donees have to act together and agree on all decisions
- Jointly and severally – Donees can make decisions together or separately
- You can also choose certain decisions to be made jointly, and others to be made jointly and severally
You can appoint up to two donees and one replacement donee. The two donees can act:
- Jointly – Donees have to act together and agree on all decisions
- Jointly and severally – Donees can make decisions together or separately
- You can also choose certain decisions to be made jointly, and others to be made jointly and severally
What can my donee(s) do?
You can allow, and limit, your donee(s)’ ability to:
- Make decisions for your personal welfare, such as living arrangements and medical care
- Manage your property and affairs, such as bank accounts and investments
You can allow, and limit, your donee(s)’ ability to:
- Make decisions for your personal welfare, such as living arrangements and medical care
- Manage your property and affairs, such as bank accounts and investments
How do I apply for an LPA?
Setting up an LPA is straightforward and can be done in a few steps:
Step 1
Decide on the details of your LPA
There are two types of LPA forms you can use:
- LPA Form 1 – a standard form covering general powers over personal welfare and property & affairs. This is suitable for most people. Form 1 applications are free for all Singaporean citizens.
- LPA Form 2 – a customised form for more complex needs. This must be drafted by a lawyer.
At this stage, you should also decide on your donee(s) and the powers to be granted to them.
Step 2
Complete the LPA form online
LPA forms can be completed via the OPG Online portal (OPGO):
- Form 1 – Completed by you (the donor)
- Form 2 – Completed by a qualified lawyer
OPGO can be accessed using Singpass.
Once appointed, the donee(s) will have to accept their appointment through OPGO, before the donor visits the Certificate Issuer.
Important note: To allow your donee(s) to manage your banking and financial matters, your LPA must include decision powers relating to Property & Affairs.
Please note that decision powers relating only to Personal Welfare do not extend to banking transactions.
Step 3
Get it certified
Visit an authorised Certificate Issuer, who will:
- Ensure you understand the LPA
- Confirm that you are not forced into making the LPA
- Help you to submit the LPA to OPGO for registration after signing
The Certificate Issuer should be an accredited medical practitioner, registered psychiatrist, or qualified lawyer. Applicants must pay separate professional fees to Certificate Issuers, which will vary based on the complexity of your instructions and needs.
Step 4
Wait for your LPA to be registered
Access & manage a loved one's funds with their LPA
With a registered LPA, you (the donee) can make arrangements with us to facilitate future account management for your loved one (the donor).
When can the LPA be activated?
An LPA takes effect only after:
- It has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), and
- A certified medical professional confirms the donor has lost mental capacity.
Who should visit the branch to open an account?
- All appointed donee(s); this is regardless of whether donees are allowed to operate “jointly”, or "jointly and severally".
What to bring:
- Original or certified true copy of the latest registered LPA. Alternatively, you are encouraged to submit the softcopy LPA to us via the OPG Online portal (OGPO).
- Original identification documents of the donor and the donee(s) (e.g. NRIC, passport)
- Original medical report certifying the donor’s mental capacity.
- The medical report must:
- Be issued by a certified medical professional;
- Be translated into English by a certified translator, should it be issued in a language other than English;
- Clearly state doctor’s opinion on the donor’s mental capacity, and whether this incapacity is or is not permanent;
- Be dated after the date of LPA registration; if the donor’s mental incapacity is not permanent, the report must have been made within the last six months.
- Donees are strongly encouraged to provide the medical report in the recommended medical report template.
How we can help
- Our branch staff will first verify your documents before explaining the scope of access based on your LPA.
- We will put in place the appropriate banking account access arrangements.
- Only sole donees, and donees who are making decisions jointly and severally, will be issued an ATM card for the donor’s account.
- Donees can access Internet Banking for the account but will not have access to OCBC app services.
What should I do if my loved one does not have an LPA, but is medically certified to lack mental capacity?
You may apply for a Court Order from the Family Court to be appointed as a deputy.
A deputy is someone appointed by the court to make certain decisions on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity and has not made an LPA. A deputy may be authorised to make decisions relating to personal welfare and/or property and affairs. To be appointed as a deputy, the applicant must be above 21 years of age. A deputy may be a family member, next-of-kin or close friend.
For more information on how to apply to be a deputy, please visit the official website of the Family Justice Courts.
What is the minimum initial deposit for opening an account on behalf of the donor?
The minimum initial deposit is determined by the type of account selected.
Managing accounts under an LPA
When acting on behalf of the donor, donee(s) are expected to:
- Make decisions in the donor’s best interests
- Use funds strictly for the donor’s needs
- Keep proper records of transactions
