How Much Does Lasting Power of Attorney Cost in the UK?
Complete 2024 fee breakdown
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The registration fee is £82 per LPA. Most people need two LPAs, so that's £164 minimum. Add professional preparation and total costs typically range from £164 (DIY) to £1,000+ (full solicitor service).
Here's exactly what you'll pay, with no hidden surprises.
2024 LPA Costs at a Glance
| Method | Cost for Both LPAs |
|---|---|
| DIY (gov.uk) | £164 (registration only) |
| Online LPA service | £200-400 |
| Will writer | £300-500 |
| Solicitor (basic) | £500-800 |
| Solicitor (comprehensive) | £800-1,200+ |
The Registration Fee: £82 per LPA
This is the fixed government fee paid to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). It's the same whether you do it yourself or use a solicitor.
Why Two LPAs?
There are two separate types:
- Property and Financial Affairs — money, bills, property
- Health and Welfare — medical decisions, care
Most people need both = £164 registration total.
Reduced Fees
- Income under £12,000: 50% off = £41 per LPA
- Receiving qualifying benefits: 100% off = £0
Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit (Guarantee element), and others.
DIY Option: £164 Total
What You Do
- Use the free government online service
- Fill in the forms yourself
- Arrange signing and witnessing
- Submit to OPG with £82 per LPA
Who It's Good For
- Simple situations
- Clear attorney choices
- No special instructions needed
- Confident with forms
Risks
- ~15% rejection rate due to errors
- No advice on attorney selection
- No guidance on instructions/restrictions
- If it goes wrong, no professional backup
Not Sure Which Option Is Right?
Our estate planners can help you decide whether DIY is suitable for your situation, or if professional help would be worthwhile.
Ask Your Question — It's FreeOnline LPA Services: £200-400
What You Get
- Guided form completion
- Error checking before submission
- Some include phone support
- Often includes registration submission
Who It's Good For
- People who want guidance but not full advice
- Relatively straightforward situations
- Those comfortable with online processes
Solicitor Costs: £500-1,200+
Basic Service (£500-800 for both LPAs)
- Initial consultation
- Form preparation
- Basic guidance on attorney selection
- Submission to OPG
Comprehensive Service (£800-1,200+)
- Full consultation on your circumstances
- Detailed advice on instructions and restrictions
- Consideration alongside your will
- Witnessing arranged
- Storage offered
- Future support available
What Affects Solicitor Prices
- Location: London firms typically charge more
- Complexity: Business owners, multiple properties
- Additional services: Home visits, storage, combined will packages
- Firm type: High street vs specialist vs online solicitor
Is Professional Help Worth It?
Consider the Comparison
- Cost of LPA: £164-1,000
- Cost of deputyship if you don't have LPA: £1,000+ application fee plus ongoing costs
Deputyship (court-appointed decision-maker) costs far more than LPA. And professional help with LPA reduces the risk of problems that could mean needing deputyship anyway.
When Professional Help Adds Value
- Complex family situations
- Business ownership
- Significant assets
- Want specific instructions or restrictions
- Any doubt about correct approach
How to Save Money
1. Use Online Services If Suitable
For straightforward situations, online services offer good value — more guidance than DIY at a fraction of solicitor costs.
2. Get Multiple Quotes
Solicitor fees vary significantly. Get at least three quotes and ask for fixed fees, not hourly estimates.
3. Bundle With Will
Many solicitors offer discounts when you do LPAs alongside your will — the combined package is often cheaper than separate instructions.
4. Check Eligibility for Reduced Fees
Don't forget the registration fee reduction if you're on a low income or certain benefits.
5. Do Some Prep Yourself
Know who you want as attorneys before consulting a solicitor. This reduces consultation time and cost.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Witnessing: Some services charge extra for arranging witnesses
- Storage: Annual fees for keeping your LPA safe
- Certified copies: You may need multiple copies for banks
- Home visits: If you need someone to come to you
- Corrections: Re-submission if there are errors
The Old Way vs Our Way
| The Old Way | Our Way |
|---|---|
| Assume LPA is too expensive | Compare to deputyship costs (£1,000+ more) |
| Accept first quote | Shop around, get fixed fees |
| DIY without understanding risks | Choose the right level of help for your situation |
| Pay for unnecessary services | Match service level to your actual needs |
Frequently asked questions
How much is the LPA registration fee in 2024?
What's the cheapest way to get Lasting Power of Attorney?
How much do solicitors charge for LPA?
Is it worth paying a solicitor for LPA?
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