Deputyship
Who is a deputy
A deputy is an individual appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of a patient who lacks mental capacity. A deputy may be the patient's family member or friend.
A doctor has to certify that the patient lacks mental capacity to make decisions due to an impairment of or disturbance in the functioning of the mind or brain.
The Family Courts hear all deputyship applications under the Mental Capacity Act.
Watch the video to find out more about the Mental Capacity Act in Singapore.
For video with Chinese subtitles, click here.
For video with Malay subtitles, click here.
For video with Tamil subtitles, click here.
There are 2 ways to file a deputyship application – via the simplified or the standard process. Refer to the following comparison table to check which process applies to your case.
| Simplified process | Standard process |
|---|---|---|
When it applies | If you seek one or more of the following orders:
| If any of the following applies:
|
How long it takes | Applications are usually completed within 4 to 6 weeks, unless submissions are incomplete or the case is complex. | Applications are usually completed within 3 to 4 months, unless submissions are incomplete or the case is complex. |
Estimated fees | $40 excluding cost of medical report. | $300 to $1000, depending on the documents you need to file. |
How to apply | Through the Integrated Family Application Management System (iFAMS). Find out how to apply through the simplified process. | Through eLitigation. Find out how to apply through the standard process. |
