LPA explained: the document you'll need before your will
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) protects you while you're alive but unable to decide. Here's the plain-English version.
Leong Jun Jie, Founder & Estate Planner · View credentials
Published 4 May 2026, last updated 6 July 2026· 6 min read
A will is for after you die. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the Singapore legal document for while you're still alive but, due to illness or accident, can't make decisions for yourself. It lets a person you trust pay your bills, manage your CPF withdrawals, or make medical decisions on your behalf, which is why most adults should have both documents.
Key takeaways
- A will takes effect after death; an LPA protects you while you're alive but unable to decide for yourself.
- LPA Form 1 is permanently free for Singapore citizens from 1 April 2026. The certificate issuer's professional fee still applies, typically S$25-S$80 at GPs.
- A donee can be anyone 21 or older, of sound mind, who consents. Most people choose a spouse, adult child, or close sibling.
| Will | Lasting Power of Attorney | |
|---|---|---|
| When it takes effect | After you die | While you're alive, if you can no longer make decisions |
| What it does | Sets out who receives what you leave behind | Lets someone you trust pay bills, manage CPF withdrawals, and make medical decisions for you |
| Who you appoint | An executor to carry it out | A donee, anyone 21 or older, of sound mind, who consents |
What are LPA Form 1 and Form 2?
Form 1 is the standard LPA, and the one most people need. It's permanently free for Singapore citizens from 1 April 2026, MSF announced the change on 5 March 2026. You'll still pay the certificate issuer's professional fee when you make one (typically S$25-S$80 at GPs).
Form 2 is for granting custom powers to your donee. It costs more and requires lawyer drafting. Current Form 2 fees, and fees for permanent residents and foreigners, are on the MSF/OPG fee page.
Who can be a donee in Singapore?
Anyone 21 or older, of sound mind, who consents. Most people choose a spouse, adult child, or close sibling. You can name more than one donee, jointly or independently.
Does Raintree include an LPA with your will?
Yes, every Raintree plan pairs an LPA with your will; see pricing for the current packages. If you only need an LPA on its own, we'll point you to the OPG's online application, it's the cheapest path and we don't think you should pay us for something the government does well. Curious how the will side works? Here's the process.
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