Cost to Make a Lasting Power of Attorney

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the average cost that Singaporeans have to pay a certificate issuer to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA); and (b) whether the Ministry will consider expanding the categories of persons eligible to act as LPA certificate issuers.

Three groups of professionals can act as Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) certificate issuers, namely, doctors accredited by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), lawyers or registered psychiatrists.

Most members of the public applying for LPAs use doctors and lawyers, rather than psychiatrists. The 10 most visited accredited medical practitioners charge fees ranging from $25 to $80, with most charging $50 for the LPA certificate issuing fee. The 10 most visited lawyers charge fees ranging from $80 to $400, with most charging $150. There are also not-for-profit organisations that offer subsidised rates to the lower-income and the elderly. Members of the public can refer to OPG's website at www.bit.ly/LPACertIssuers for the lists of 10 most visited certificate issuers among doctors and lawyers and not-for-profit organisations.

Currently, there are approximately 6,200 certificate issuers catering to Singaporeans with different needs and preferences. As demand for certificate issuers is adequately met, there are no plans to expand the categories of LPA certificate issuers.