Personal Legal Procedures & Lasting Power of Attorney in Singapore
“No man is above the law, and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man’s permission when we require him to obey it.”
– President Theodore Roosevelt
Understanding the Need for Legal Assistance
Most of us will encounter the need to seek legal representation, advice or assistance at least once in our lifetime.
Some may wish to change their name, some may need to prove that they are the same person named in their official documents issued long before they got married, or some may need to appoint a person to represent them in the sale or purchase of their property because they may be overseas during the transactional period.
Preparing for the Future with a Lasting Power of Attorney in Singapore
We may be concerned about losing our mental capacity as we age and wish to make a lasting power of attorney and appoint our trusted family member or friend as our Donee to make all personal welfare and property and affairs decisions for us should we be medically proven to have lost our mental capacity.
Legal Services Tailored to Your Needs
Our lawyer, Bhavini, can assist you in these matters and more, irrespective of their magnitude. Bhavini is well experienced and will take time to understand your needs and advise you on the most appropriate legal options available to you for your consideration.
Comprehensive Personal Legal Solutions We Offer
Some of the salient services we offer are:
Power of Attorney
Drafting, witnessing execution & registering a Power of Attorney with the Supreme Court of Singapore. The Power of Attorney can be a general one or specific. Some examples are authority to act in liaising with and managing your personal accounts with financial entities, the sale/purchase / general management of a private or HDB property or represent a company in transactions.
Lasting Power of Attorney
Bhavini is also a Certificate Issuer and can certify your Lasting power of Attorney whether created manually or digitally through Singpass.
If you intend to make a personalized Lasting Power of Attorney under Form 2, we can assist you with drafting the powers in Form 2 that meet your needs.
Deed Poll
If you wish to change your name or your child’s name who is below 21 years old, you need to make a Deed Poll. We can assist you with the drafting and witnessing the signing of the Deed Poll.
Statutory Declaration
You may need to make an official statement under oath for a court proceeding or for submission to an official authority.
We can assist you with the drafting of your Statutory Declaration and Bhavini can witness you signing it in her capacity as a licensed Commissioner for Oaths and/or Notary Public.
Reviewing of Contracts or Agreements
If you need assistance in reviewing existing Contracts or Agreements before you sign them, for example, an employment contract or a loan agreement, we can review and advise you on the legal implications of the agreement and propose revisions that would best serve your interest. We can also assist with drafting agreements between you and other people /businesses.
Pre / Post- Nuptial Agreements
It is a common trend for couples to enter into Pre-Nuptial Agreement before their marriage. Some couples consider entering into a Post-Nuptial Agreement after their marriage. We can assist in advising, reviewing and/or drafting of such Agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Legal Procedures
What is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document created by a person (“Donor”) who entrusts another person (“Donee”) to act on their behalf.
What are the most common types of Power of Attorney?
i. Sale, Purchase, Rental and/or General management of a private or HDB property.
ii. General power of attorney to manage day to day affairs.
iii. Specific Power of Attorney to carry out specific acts for a specific matter.
How do I know what type of Power of Attorney do I need?
Let us know what your situation is and why do you need to make a Power of Attorney. We will advise you on the most appropriate options based on your circumstances.
What does “depositing” a Power of Attorney mean?
Depositing a power of attorney means registering it with the court. It will be available on public records for inspection.
The General Division of the High Court only accepts powers of attorney that are created under Section 48 of the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act
What is a Statutory Declaration?
A Statutory Declaration is a written statement/declaration made voluntarily by virtue of the provisions of the Oaths and Declarations Act 2000, and subject to the penalties provided by that Act for the making of false statements in statutory declarations, conscientiously believing the statements contained in this declaration to be true in every particular.
Will you assist me in drafting a Statutory Declaration if I am not provided with a standard form?
Yes, we can.
Can I sign a Statutory Declaration before an Advocate & Solicitor?
No. Pursuant to section 11of the Oaths and Declarations Act 2000, a Statutory Declaration made in Singapore must be made before a court, a person acting judicially, or a prescribed person.
A prescribed person includes a Commissioner for Oaths. Bhavini Shah is a licensed Commissioner for Oaths.