Range of Fees Charged by Lasting Power of Attorney Certificate Issuers

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Ministry has data on the current average, upper and lower quartile costs that Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) certificate issuers are charging today and, if so, what are they; (b) whether there are plans to implement fee guidelines to discourage LPA certificate issuers from overcharging; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider providing subsidies for the cost of applying for an LPA.

The Certificate Issuer plays the important role of ensuring that no undue pressure is used to induce the donor to create the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), and that the donor understands the purpose of the LPA and the scope of authority conferred under it.

MSF does not prescribe the fees charged, nor do we collect exhaustive data on such fees. However, to guide the public, MSF publishes the fees of the frequently-visited Certificate Issuers. As of July 2022, the fees of the top 10 most-frequented accredited medical practitioners range from $25 to $58, that for the top 10 most-frequented lawyers range from $80 to $300, and that for the top 10 most-frequented psychiatrists range from $145 to $442.

For financially needy persons, there are not-for-profit organisations, such as Potter’s Place Community Services Society and Mount Alvernia Outreach Medical Clinic @ Enabling Village, that provide low-cost or even free services.

I would like to address the concern that Certificate Issuers may overcharge. Firstly, with the wide range of Certificate Issuers and fees, donors can choose the option that best meets their needs. Each donor’s situation and mental state is different. It is also possible for an LPA to be subsequently challenged by other parties. Hence, higher fees may reflect the higher care and professional judgement required of the Certificate Issuer in certain cases. Finally, I would echo the sentiment of a member of public, who had written to The Straits Times Forum Page pointing out that the cost of making an LPA is worth the while because obtaining deputyship in the absence of an LPA is many times more expensive and tedious.