Don’t Pay Too Much: 5 Common LPA Fee Mistakes (And How to Qualify for a Discount)
Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and the people around you.
It allows someone you trust to step in and help if there ever comes a time when you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
Many people delay putting LPAs in place because they are worried about the cost or assume the process will be complicated. Others believe they can always deal with it later. Unfortunately, once someone has lost mental capacity, it is too late to create an LPA.
Putting documents in place early gives you choice, control and reassurance for the future.
The good news is that setting up LPAs does not need to feel overwhelming or financially daunting, especially when you understand the fees involved and avoid a few common mistakes.
What Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Cost?
In England and Wales, the cost of a Lasting Power of Attorney usually includes both a professional fee and a government registration fee paid to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
At South West Wills & Estate Planning, my professional fees are:
£180 for one LPA
£325 for both LPAs for one person
£650 for both LPAs for two people
The OPG registration fee is separate and is currently £92 per document.
For example, if you create both a Health & Welfare LPA and a Property & Financial Affairs LPA, the OPG fee would apply to each document.
Without registration through the OPG, an LPA cannot be used.
One of the most important things when arranging LPAs is making sure you fully understand what is included from the outset, so there are no unexpected costs later on.
Understanding the Difference Between Professional Fees and OPG Registration Fees
Many people understandably assume the professional fee includes everything, but the government registration fee is separate.
The Office of the Public Guardian charges £92 per LPA document to officially register the forms. This is a government fee and applies regardless of who prepares the documents for you.
If you are arranging:
both LPAs for yourself
or LPAs for a couple
these registration fees can add up quickly, so it is important to budget for them alongside the professional fee.
A clear explanation of fees from the beginning helps avoid confusion or unexpected costs later in the process.
Can You Get Help With Lasting Power of Attorney Fees?
Many people do not realise they may qualify for a reduction or exemption from the OPG registration fee.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to:
a 50% reduction
or a full exemption from the £92 registration fee
Who qualifies for a 50% reduction?
You may qualify for a reduced fee if your gross annual income is less than £12,000.
Who may qualify for a full exemption?
You may qualify for a full exemption if you receive certain means-tested benefits, including:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Support (not single person discount)
Important Universal Credit update
People receiving Universal Credit are no longer automatically exempt from the full OPG fee. Eligibility is now assessed based on income.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, I can help check this with you and complete the relevant forms as part of the process at no additional charge.
Choosing the Right Type of Lasting Power of Attorney
There are two different types of Lasting Power of Attorney:
Health & Welfare
Property & Financial Affairs
Most people benefit from having both documents in place, as they cover very different areas of life.
Health & Welfare LPAs
A Health & Welfare LPA allows your attorneys to make decisions about:
medical treatment
care arrangements
day-to-day wellbeing
life-sustaining treatment decisions (if you choose)
Property & Financial Affairs LPAs
A Property & Financial Affairs LPA allows your attorneys to help with:
bank accounts
paying bills
pensions
managing property
financial decisions
Everyone’s circumstances are different, and part of the process is understanding which documents best suit your situation, family and future plans.
Common Mistakes That Can Delay an LPA Application
The Office of the Public Guardian is extremely strict about how LPAs are completed and signed.
Even small mistakes can cause delays or lead to the documents being rejected and needing to be resubmitted.
Incorrect signing order
The Donor must sign first, followed by the Certificate Provider, and then the Attorneys.
If the dates are completed in the wrong order, the documents may be rejected.
Witnessing mistakes
An attorney cannot witness the donor’s signature.
Using the wrong witness is one of the more common reasons documents run into difficulties.
Errors on forms
Correction fluid should never be used on LPA forms.
If changes are needed, they must be amended correctly and initialled where appropriate.
Missing information or incomplete sections
Small omissions, missed signatures or incomplete sections can sometimes delay the registration process significantly.
The forms are often more particular than people expect, which is why many clients prefer the reassurance of having someone guide them through the process carefully and check everything thoroughly before submission.
Getting things right first time can help avoid unnecessary delays and additional stress later on.
Why Many People Choose Professional Help for LPAs
Many people initially consider completing LPAs themselves, but later decide they would prefer support and reassurance through the process.
This is often because:
the forms can feel overwhelming
signing rules are strict
people worry about making mistakes
families are unsure who should act as attorneys
questions arise about wording and preferences
Having guidance throughout the process can help ensure the documents reflect your wishes clearly and are completed correctly.
It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns before the documents are submitted for registration.
What Should Be Included in an LPA Service?
Before proceeding with any LPA service, it is important to understand exactly what is included in the fee.
Useful questions to ask include:
Is the fee fixed?
Does it include guidance through the registration process?
Will someone check whether I qualify for a fee reduction?
Can I ask questions during the process?
Are home visits or virtual appointments available?
At South West Wills & Estate Planning, my pricing is fixed and transparent from the outset.
Whether we meet in person across Cornwall and Devon or arrange a virtual appointment elsewhere in the UK, you will know exactly what the professional fee is before we begin.
No hidden costs. No surprises.
Simple Checklist Before Setting Up LPAs
Before putting LPAs in place, it can help to:
Check whether your income may qualify you for a reduced OPG fee
Gather any relevant benefit award letters if applicable
Think carefully about who you would trust to act as your attorneys
Consider whether you would like both Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs LPAs
Ask questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the process
Let’s Make the Process Straightforward
Planning ahead can feel emotional or overwhelming at times, but it does not have to be complicated.
My aim is to make the process as simple, clear and supportive as possible, with straightforward advice in plain English and guidance throughout.
Whether you would prefer a home visit in Cornwall or Devon, or a secure virtual appointment elsewhere in the UK, I am here to help you put the right protections in place for the future.
To learn more, visit South West Wills & Estate Planning or get in touch for a friendly, no-pressure chat about your options.