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How Much Does Lasting Power of Attorney Cost in the UK?

Complete 2024 fee breakdown

6 min readUpdated 16 April 2024
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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 Free

Online 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?
The OPG charges £82 to register each LPA. Since most people need both types (Property/Financial and Health/Welfare), that's £164 total for registration. This fee can be reduced or waived for low-income applicants.
What's the cheapest way to get Lasting Power of Attorney?
The cheapest is DIY using gov.uk at £164 (registration only). However, about 15% of DIY applications are rejected due to errors. Online LPA services (£200-400 total) offer a good balance of cost and guidance.
How much do solicitors charge for LPA?
Solicitors typically charge £250-600 per LPA for preparation, plus the £82 registration fee. Many offer discounted packages for both LPAs together. Prices vary significantly by location and firm type.
Is it worth paying a solicitor for LPA?
For simple situations, online services may suffice. For complex families, business owners, or those wanting specific instructions, solicitor advice is often worthwhile. The key comparison is LPA cost (£164-1,000) vs deputyship cost if you don't have LPA (£1,000+ plus ongoing fees).
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