Cost of Lasting Power of Attorney Explained: What You Really Need to Know
When you start thinking about estate planning in the UK, the phrase Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) usually comes up quite quickly.
It sounds official. A bit technical. And often more expensive than it actually is.
A lot of people put it off for that reason. They assume it’s going to be complicated, costly, or full of legal red tape.
But in reality, an LPA is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to protect yourself and your family.
And when you compare it to the alternative, it’s not even close.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to choose people you trust (your “attorneys”) to make decisions for you if you’re unable to make them yourself.
There are two types:
Health and Welfare LPA
This covers decisions about your care, daily routine, medical treatment, and where you live.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA
This covers things like managing bank accounts, paying bills, and dealing with property.
You can choose one, but most people put both in place so everything is covered.
The Government Fee:
No matter how you set up your LPA, whether you do it yourself or get help there is a fixed fee to register it with the Office of the Public Guardian.
This is what makes the document legally usable.
£92 per LPA
£184 if you put both in place
Can you get a reduction on the fee?
Yes, and it’s something many people aren’t aware of.
You may be eligible depending on your circumstances:
Exemption – if you receive certain means-tested benefits, you may not have to pay the fee at all
50% reduction – if your income is under £12,000 per year, the fee may be reduced to £46 per LPA
This is something I check with clients as part of the process, so you’re not paying more than you need to.
Do you need professional help?
You can complete an LPA yourself online.
For some people, that works fine.
But this is usually where things start to feel less straightforward.
It’s not just about filling in a form. You’re making decisions about:
who should act for you
how they should act (jointly or independently)
what they can and can’t do
whether any instructions or preferences need to be included
And once it’s registered, those decisions are very difficult to change.
Applications also need to be correct. If something isn’t right, it can be sent back for amendments, which delays things and adds unnecessary stress.
How much does professional help cost?
This varies depending on who you use.
At South West Wills and Estate Planning, my fees are:
One LPA (Health and Welfare or Property and Financial Affairs) – £180
Both LPAs for one person – £325
Both LPAs for two people – £650
All options include full guidance, help completing and registering the forms, and support throughout.
Government registration fees of £92 per LPA are payable separately to the Office of the Public Guardian unless an exemption or reduction applies.
The cost of doing nothing (this is the part most people don’t realise)
If you don’t have an LPA in place and you lose mental capacity, your family can’t automatically step in.
They have to apply to the Court of Protection to become a “Deputy”.
This is a much more complex process.
Typical costs include:
Application fees of £400+
Ongoing annual supervision fees
Possible legal fees running into the thousands
It can also take months to put in place.
In the meantime, bank accounts can be frozen and decisions delayed at a time when your family is already dealing with enough.
When you look at it like that, putting an LPA in place early is a much simpler and more cost-effective option.
Why people choose to get help with their LPA
Most people don’t come to me because they can’t fill in a form.
They come because they want to make sure it’s done properly.
That includes:
choosing the right attorneys
thinking through real-life situations
understanding how decisions will actually work
knowing everything has been checked before it’s submitted
It also takes the pressure off. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
If you’re doing a Will at the same time
If you’re putting a Will in place alongside your LPA, there are package options available:
Single Will + One LPA – £310
Single Will + Both LPAs (one person) – £420
Mirror Wills + Both LPAs (one person) – £500
Mirror Wills + Both LPAs (two people) – £780
These are reduced from the standard combined prices, so you’re saving by doing everything together.
Government registration fees still apply.
A simple breakdown
To keep it clear:
£92 per LPA – paid to the government
Professional fee – for advice, drafting, and support
Possible reductions – depending on your circumstances
If it’s something you’ve been meaning to sort…
Most people have it on their list for a long time.
They know it’s important, but it never quite feels urgent.
Until it is.
If you’d like to talk it through, I offer a free initial chat. No pressure, just a chance to ask questions and see what feels right for you.
You can meet in person across Cornwall and Devon, or we can do everything remotely if you’re elsewhere in the UK.
FAQs
Can I do an LPA myself?
Yes, but many people choose support to make sure it’s completed correctly and reflects what they actually want.
How long does it take?
Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian usually takes around 8–12 weeks.
When does it come into effect?
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can be used once registered (with your permission). A Health and Welfare LPA is only used if you lose capacity.
