How much does it cost to set up a lasting power of attorney in the UK?

Full answer

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document letting you (the 'donor') appoint attorneys to make decisions if you lose mental capacity. There are two separate types: one for property and financial affairs, and one for health and welfare. Each is a distinct document that must be registered individually with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) in England and Wales before it can be used. The unavoidable cost is the OPG registration fee, charged per LPA - so registering both types costs twice the single fee. (Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own equivalent systems - continuing/welfare powers of attorney in Scotland, enduring power of attorney in NI - with different processes and fees.) This rate card does not contain the exact OPG fee, so check the current figure on gov.uk rather than relying on a remembered number. Fee help is available. If your gross annual income is below a set threshold you may qualify for a 50% reduction ('remission'), and if you receive certain means-tested benefits you may pay nothing ('exemption'). You apply for this when you register. Who it affects: anyone wanting to plan ahead - this matters for all adults, not just the elderly, because capacity can be lost suddenly through accident or illness. Without an LPA, your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship, which is significantly more expensive and slower. You can complete and register an LPA yourself using the gov.uk online service, paying only the OPG fee. If you use a solicitor, expect a professional charge on top, which varies widely by firm and complexity (for example, multiple attorneys or detailed instructions). For a couple making mirror LPAs, some firms offer a reduced combined rate. For the precise current registration fee and remission thresholds, consult gov.uk. There is no calculator for this specific cost.