What are the registration fees for a lasting power of attorney?

Every LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used. The registration fee is set by the government and applies regardless of which provider helps you draft the forms.

If you receive Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, or certain other means-tested benefits, you may qualify for a full fee exemption. If your gross annual income is below £12,000, you can apply for a 50% fee remission, reducing the cost to £41 per LPA.

How much do solicitors charge for lasting power of attorney?

Solicitor fees vary significantly depending on location, firm size, and the complexity of your situation.

Always ask for an itemised quote that includes the drafting fee, registration fee, and any additional charges for home visits or complex instructions. Some solicitors include the OPG registration fee in their headline price, while others add it on top.

What is the cheapest way to get a lasting power of attorney?

1. Use the free GOV.UK online service: The government's online LPA tool guides you through the entire process at no cost beyond the £82 registration fee per LPA. You answer questions about your attorneys, preferences, and certificate provider, and the tool generates the forms for you to print, sign, and post.
2. Check if you qualify for a fee reduction: If your gross income is below £12,000, you qualify for a 50% fee remission (£41 per LPA). If you receive means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit, you may be fully exempt from the registration fee.
3. Use a charity service: Age UK and some Citizens Advice branches offer reduced-cost or free help with LPA forms. These services are particularly useful if you are comfortable completing the forms but want someone to check them before submission.
4. Bundle with a will: Most providers offer discounted packages when you arrange a will and both LPAs together. A package deal typically saves £100 to £200 compared to arranging each document separately.
5. Avoid unnecessary extras: Some providers charge for optional services like express registration, storage, or future amendments. Decide which extras you genuinely need before agreeing to a package price.

What does it cost if I do not have an LPA?

The cost of not having an LPA is significantly higher than setting one up. If you lose mental capacity without an LPA in place, your family must apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order.

A deputyship application typically takes 4 to 6 months during which no one can access your bank accounts or make financial decisions on your behalf. Compared to the £164 total registration cost for both LPAs, a deputyship can cost £1,500 or more in its first year alone, with ongoing annual fees every year afterwards.

What does Martin Lewis say about power of attorney costs?

Martin Lewis has featured lasting power of attorney prominently on MoneySavingExpert, describing it as one of the most important financial documents you can have. His key points on costs include:

• The £82 fee is excellent value: Martin Lewis has emphasised that the £82 registration fee per LPA is a small price for the protection it provides, calling it one of the best-value legal documents available.
• DIY is a viable option: MoneySavingExpert recommends the GOV.UK online service as the cheapest way to set up an LPA, noting that the guided form is straightforward for most people.
• Do not overpay for professional help: The site advises shopping around and getting at least three quotes, noting that solicitor fees for LPAs vary enormously even within the same area.
• Do not wait: Martin Lewis has stressed that you cannot set up an LPA after losing capacity, making it urgent for anyone who has not yet done so. The cost only increases if you wait until a deputyship is needed.