Deputyship Applications in Singapore

Deputyship Applications in Singapore

When you discover that a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves, it can feel sudden, overwhelming and deeply distressing. If they did not make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) while they still had capacity, a Deputyship Order from the Family Justice Courts may be the only way for you to legally manage their affairs and protect their interests.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. PKWA Law’s experienced family lawyers have guided Singapore families through deputyship applications for over 30 years – with clarity, patience and care.

What Is a Deputyship?

A Deputyship is a court order under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) that authorises a trusted person – the deputy – to make legal, financial and personal welfare decisions on behalf of someone who has lost mental capacity.

This commonly arises when a loved one is affected by:

• Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke, brain injury or coma
• Severe intellectual disability
• Mental illness

Without a Deputyship Order, family members have no legal authority to access bank accounts, manage property or make financial decisions on their loved one’s behalf – even as a spouse or adult child.

Deputyship vs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Understanding the difference is important:

• LPA – Made before mental capacity is lost. The person chooses their own donee(s) to act for them.
• Deputyship – Applied for after capacity is lost. The court appoints the deputy.

Because deputyship requires court involvement, it is more time-consuming and costly than making an LPA. If your loved one still has mental capacity, making an LPA now is strongly advisable – it avoids the need for deputyship entirely.

See our guide on Lasting Power of Attorney in Singapore for more information.

Who Can Apply to Be a Deputy?

• Usually a family member or close relative
• Must be at least 21 years old
• More than one deputy can be appointed (for example, siblings acting jointly for a parent)
• The court’s primary consideration is always the best interests of the person lacking capacity

Types of Deputyship Applications in Singapore

1. Simplified Track

Available when the person’s total assets are worth S$80,000 or less.

• Filed online via iFAMS (Integrated Family Application Management System)
• Typically processed within 4 to 6 weeks
• Can be done without a lawyer, though legal guidance is still helpful

2. Standard Track

The most common type of application for most families.

• Required when assets exceed S$80,000 or where the case is more complex
• Filed through the eLitigation system by a lawyer
• Typically takes 3 to 4 months, depending on complexity and court schedule

The Deputyship Application Process

1. Obtain a Medical Report A registered doctor confirms that your loved one lacks mental capacity.
2. Prepare Application Documents This includes the Originating Summons, Supporting Affidavit and Schedule of Assets.
3. File the Application Simplified track: filed directly on iFAMS. Standard track: filed by a lawyer through eLitigation.
4. Notify Relevant Family Members Certain relatives must be formally served notice of the application.
5. Court Review The Family Justice Courts review whether the application is in the best interests of the person lacking capacity.
6. Deputyship Order Granted The order sets out the deputy’s specific powers and responsibilities.

How Much Does a Deputyship Application Cost?

At PKWA Law, our fees are fixed and confirmed upfront before any work begins – so you always know what to expect with no hidden costs.

Fees vary depending on whether your matter follows the simplified or standard track, and the complexity of the estate involved. Contact us for a transparent fee quote specific to your situation.

Assisted Deputyship Application Programme (ADAP)

For families with children with intellectual disabilities turning 21, the Assisted Deputyship Application Programme (ADAP) offers a more accessible pathway:

• Lower costs compared to standard applications
• Streamlined process in collaboration with social service agencies
• Particularly helpful for parents who need legal authority to continue managing the affairs of their adult child

A Deputy’s Duties After Appointment

Being appointed as deputy is a legal responsibility. Once appointed, you must:

• Always act in the best interests of the person
• Keep proper accounts of all financial transactions
• Report to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) when required

The court order defines the limits of your powers. Deputies remain accountable and cannot act freely beyond what the order permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need a deputyship if my loved one lacks capacity? Only if they did not make a valid LPA. If a valid LPA exists, the appointed donee can act without any court involvement.

How long does the process take? Simplified applications typically take 4 to 6 weeks. Standard applications generally take 3 to 4 months, and longer if the matter is contested.

Do I need a lawyer? For the simplified track, you may file directly via iFAMS. For standard applications, engaging a lawyer is strongly recommended – the process involves court documents and legal requirements that are easy to get wrong without guidance.

Can more than one deputy be appointed? Yes. The court may appoint multiple deputies to act jointly or independently, depending on what is in the best interests of the person.

What powers will I have as a deputy? This depends on what the court order specifies. Most deputies are authorised to manage financial matters such as bank accounts, CPF and property. Personal welfare decisions may also be included in some cases.

What if my loved one has dementia and owns property? This is one of the most common situations we assist with. A standard track deputyship application would typically be required. Our lawyers will guide you through every step.

Why Families Choose PKWA Law for Deputyship

• Handled personally by an experienced family lawyer from start to finish
• Fixed, transparent fees confirmed upfront
• Over 30 years guiding Singapore families through deputyship and mental capacity matters
• Trusted by families across Singapore – 3,900+ Google reviews, 4.9‚òÖ rating
• Continued guidance even after the Deputyship Order is granted

Speak With Our Lawyers Today

If your loved one has lost mental capacity and you are unsure of your next steps, we are here to help.

We offer a free initial consultation to explain clearly what is involved, what the process looks like, and how we can assist you. Our fees are fixed and transparent, so you can make an informed decision without any pressure.

At PKWA Law, our experienced family lawyers regularly assist clients with both simplified and standard deputyship applications. We will guide you through every step, ensuring your application is handled smoothly and with care.

Contact us today for a consultation on deputyship applications in Singapore – and let us help you protect the people who matter most.