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SINGAPORE \u2013 Singaporeans will now pay a lower fee of $30 if they wish to grant customised powers to their loved ones to take charge of their affairs if they lose mental capacity.<\/p>\n
Previously, it cost $185 to do up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) via Form 2, which is more detailed than the simpler Form 1. Form 1 LPA has been made permanently free for all Singaporeans<\/span><\/a> since April 1.<\/p>\n The lower fee for Form 2 was announced in the Government Gazette dated April 30. It took effect on May 1, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) told The Straits Times in response to queries about the fee revision.<\/p>\n Also since May 1, the fees to make an LPA via either form for permanent residents and foreigners have been lowered from $90 to $30 for PRs, and from $230 to $160 for foreigners.<\/p>\n MSF told ST it regularly reviews LPA application fees to ensure they remain relevant and affordable.<\/p>\n The fee revisions reflect its commitment to making LPA applications more accessible and encouraging more people to plan ahead by appointing their trusted persons through an LPA, the ministry added.<\/p>\n An LPA allows individuals to appoint a trusted person \u2013 usually a family member \u2013 to take charge of matters such as personal welfare, property and finances if they lose their mental capacity.<\/p>\n In Singapore, one can make an LPA through Form 1 or Form 2. The first form is a simple process that grants general powers to donees.<\/p>\n Form 2 is used to grant customised powers to donees, and allows for specific instructions such as financial management limits or specific healthcare wishes. For instance, individuals may specify that the sale of their homes is allowed only if the proceeds are used to pay for their medical bills.<\/p>\n Clauses under Form 2 must be drafted by a practising lawyer, and the form certified by an LPA certificate issuer such as a doctor, lawyer or a registered psychiatrist.<\/p>\n