How Much Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Cost in 2026?

One of the first questions people ask about Lasting Powers of Attorney is how much they cost. The good news is that LPAs are much more affordable than most people expect – and there are fee reductions available if you're on a low income.

Let me break down exactly what you'll pay, whether you do it yourself or get professional help, so you can plan your budget properly.

The Registration Fee

Every LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used. The registration fee is:

• £82 per LPA

This is a flat fee set by the government. Whether your estate is worth £50,000 or £5 million, the fee is the same.

Since there are two types of LPA (Property and Financial Affairs, and Health and Welfare), most people set up both, making the total registration cost:

• £164 for both LPAs

This fee covers the OPG's work checking the LPA, processing the registration, and storing a copy on the register.

Fee Reductions and Exemptions

You may qualify for reduced fees or a full exemption based on your income or if you receive certain benefits.

Full exemption (free registration):

You pay nothing if you receive any of these benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Guarantee Credit (part of Pension Credit)
• Universal Credit (if you earned less than £12,000 in the previous 12 months)
• Local Housing Allowance

50% reduction (£41 per LPA):

You pay half if your gross annual income is under £12,000 (before tax and benefits).

To claim a fee reduction, you submit form LPA120 with evidence of your income or benefits along with your LPA application.

Cost If You Do It Yourself

If you complete the LPA yourself using the free government online service, your only cost is the registration fee:

• One LPA: £82
• Both LPAs: £164
• Couple, both LPAs each: £328

The online service at GOV.UK guides you through each section and helps you avoid common mistakes. You'll need:

• A computer and printer
• Time to complete the forms (1-2 hours per LPA)
• The ability to arrange signing with your certificate provider and attorneys

This is the cheapest option and works well for people comfortable with forms and with straightforward circumstances.

Professional Service Costs

If you want professional help, costs vary depending on who you use:

Will writers and estate planners:

• Per LPA: £100-200 (plus registration fee)
• Both LPAs: £180-350 (plus registration fees)
• Often discounted if done alongside a will

Solicitors:

• Per LPA: £200-400 (plus registration fee)
• Both LPAs: £350-700 (plus registration fees)
• Higher end in London and for complex situations

Online legal services:

• Per LPA: £80-150 (plus registration fee)
• Both LPAs: £150-250 (plus registration fees)
• Typically includes telephone support and form checking

What do you get for professional fees?

• Advice on whether LPAs are right for your situation
• Guidance on choosing attorneys and how they should act
• Help wording instructions and preferences
• Checking forms for errors before submission
• Some services include acting as certificate provider
• Secure storage of documents

What Affects the Cost?

Several factors can make professional LPA services more expensive:

Complexity of your situation:

• Straightforward: single, married couple, adult children = standard fees
• Complex: blended families, business interests, foreign assets = higher fees

Location:

• London and South East: typically 20-40% higher
• Rural and Northern areas: often lower

Type of provider:

• High street solicitors charge more than will writers
• Specialist estate planning firms vary widely

What's included:

• Some prices are 'all-in' including registration fees
• Others quote professional fees only, with registration extra
• Always clarify what's included before committing

Costs for Both Types of LPA

Here's a realistic total cost breakdown for setting up both types of LPA:

DIY (online government service):

• Professional fees: £0
• Registration: £164
• Total: £164

Online legal service:

• Professional fees: £150-250
• Registration: £164
• Total: £314-414

Will writer/estate planner:

• Professional fees: £180-350
• Registration: £164
• Total: £344-514

Solicitor:

• Professional fees: £350-700
• Registration: £164
• Total: £514-864

For couples wanting both LPAs each, double the professional fees and add £328 for registration.

Is Professional Help Worth It?

Whether to go DIY or professional depends on your circumstances:

DIY works well if:

• Your situation is straightforward
• You're comfortable with online forms
• You have time to research and complete carefully
• You have suitable people to act as attorneys and certificate provider

Professional help is valuable if:

• You have a complex family situation (blended family, estranged relatives)
• You want advice on choosing attorneys or how they should act
• You have business interests or unusual assets
• You want peace of mind that everything is done correctly
• You're also doing a will and can get a package deal

Consider this: if your LPA is rejected because of an error, you've wasted time and potentially money. The cost of professional help is modest compared to the importance of having valid LPAs in place.

Ways to Save Money on LPA Costs

1. Use the free government service

If your situation is straightforward, the GOV.UK online service is free and designed to be completed without professional help.

2. Check for fee exemptions

If you're on qualifying benefits or low income, you could save £82-164 on registration.

3. Do both LPAs together

Most professionals offer a discount for doing both types at once.

4. Set up LPAs with your will

Many will writers and solicitors offer package deals. You might pay £400-600 for a will plus both LPAs, compared to £300+ for the will alone plus separate LPA costs.

5. Compare quotes

Prices vary significantly between providers. Get at least three quotes and check what's included in each.

6. Check charity schemes

Some charities offer discounted or free LPA services, particularly for older people or those with specific conditions. Age UK sometimes runs LPA clinics.

7. Do it while you're healthy

If you wait until you need capacity assessments or face time pressure due to declining health, costs can increase significantly. Setting up LPAs now, while everything is calm, is the most cost-effective approach.

Whatever you pay, remember that an LPA is one of the best investments in your family's peace of mind. Without one, your family might face deputyship costs of £1,000+ plus ongoing fees – far more than setting up LPAs in advance.