How Much Does Power of Attorney Cost?

The registration fee is £82 per LPA (so £164 for both types), but professional help to prepare them typically costs £150-500+ on top. Here's a complete breakdown of what you'll actually pay.

Many people are surprised by LPA costs — or confused by the different options. This guide explains exactly what you're paying for and how to get the best value.

The Costs Breakdown

Cost Element	Amount
OPG Registration Fee (per LPA)	£82
DIY using OPG forms	Free (+ registration)
Online LPA services	£0-100 (+ registration)
Solicitor preparation	£150-500+ per LPA
Will writer preparation	£100-300 per LPA

Two Types = Two Fees

There are two types of LPA:

1. Property and Financial Affairs — for money, property, bills
2. Health and Welfare — for medical decisions, care

Most people need both. That means two registration fees (£164 total) plus preparation costs for each.

Option 1: Do It Yourself (Free + £164)

How It Works

• Use the government's free online service at gov.uk
• Fill in the forms yourself
• Print, sign, and send for registration
• Pay £82 per LPA registration

Pros

• Cheapest option — just the £164 registration
• Government tool guides you through
• Suitable for straightforward situations

Cons

• Easy to make mistakes that invalidate the LPA
• No advice on choosing attorneys or instructions
• Signing process must be exact or it's rejected
• OPG rejects about 15% of applications due to errors

Best For

People comfortable with forms who have simple circumstances and clear choices for attorneys.

Option 2: Online LPA Services (£0-100 + £164)

How It Works

• Use a guided online service
• Answer questions and the forms are completed for you
• Some services include checking before submission
• Prices range from free (charity services) to £100+

Pros

• Easier than doing it completely yourself
• Reduces common errors
• Some include phone support
• Good middle-ground option

Cons

• Still no personal legal advice
• May not suit complex family situations
• Quality varies between services

Best For

People who want guidance but have relatively straightforward circumstances.

Option 3: Solicitor (£150-500+ per LPA + £164)

How It Works

• Meet with a solicitor to discuss your needs
• They advise on attorneys, instructions, and restrictions
• They prepare the documents
• Often include witnessing and submission

Typical Costs

• Basic preparation: £150-250 per LPA
• Full service with advice: £300-500+ per LPA
• Both LPAs: Often discounted as a pair (£400-800 total)

Pros

• Personal advice on your specific situation
• Guidance on choosing attorneys
• Properly drafted instructions and restrictions
• Errors caught before submission
• Can discuss alongside will planning

Cons

• Most expensive option
• Costs vary significantly between firms
• May be more than needed for simple situations

Best For

Complex family situations, significant assets, or anyone who wants peace of mind that it's done correctly.

Can You Get a Discount?

Fee Exemptions and Reductions

You may pay less or nothing for registration if:

• Low income: Gross annual income under £12,000 = 50% reduction (£41 per LPA)
• Benefits: Receiving certain benefits = full exemption (£0)

Qualifying benefits include:

• Income Support
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction (not discount)
• Universal Credit

Shop Around for Preparation Costs

Solicitor fees vary widely:

• Get quotes from several firms
• Ask for fixed fees, not hourly rates
• Check what's included (registration, checking, etc.)
• Consider online solicitor services for lower costs

What Are You Actually Paying For?

The Registration Fee (£82)

This goes to the Office of the Public Guardian to:

• Process and check your application
• Register the LPA officially
• Maintain the register
• Supervise attorneys if needed

Professional Preparation

When you pay a solicitor or service, you're getting:

• Advice on who to appoint as attorney
• Guidance on instructions and restrictions
• Properly completed forms
• Explanation of how LPAs work
• Coordination of signing process
• Submission and follow-up with OPG

Is Professional Help Worth It?

Consider Professional Help If:

• You have complex family relationships (stepchildren, estrangement)
• You own a business or have significant assets
• You want specific instructions or restrictions
• There's any chance of family disputes
• You're making LPAs alongside a will
• You're not confident completing forms

DIY Is Probably Fine If:

• Your situation is straightforward
• You have obvious attorney choices everyone agrees with
• You don't need special instructions
• You're comfortable with paperwork

Total Cost Comparison

Method	Both LPAs
DIY (gov.uk)	£164
Online service	£164-364
Solicitor (basic)	£464-664
Solicitor (full service)	£764-1,164+

The Old Way vs Our Way

The Old Way	Our Way
Pay whatever the first solicitor quotes	Compare options and understand what you need
Skip LPAs because they seem expensive	Recognise deputyship costs £1,000+ more
DIY without understanding the risks	Choose the right approach for your situation
Pay for services you don't need	Get appropriate help for your complexity level