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How Much Does an LPA Cost? (Spoiler: Less Than You Think)

6 min11 Jan 2026

How Much Does an LPA Cost in the UK? 2026 Price Guide

Many people assume setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney costs thousands of pounds because they think of solicitor fees. But here's the reality: the government registration fee is just £82 per LPA, and you can do the entire process yourself using free online tools.

The question isn't really "how much does an LPA cost?" It's "how much help do I want to pay for?"

Table of Contents

The Official Registration Fee {#registration-fee}

Every LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used. This is a legal requirement.

2026 Registration Fees:

  • £82 per LPA
  • £164 for both types (Health & Welfare + Property & Financial)

This fee is the same whether you complete the forms yourself or use a solicitor. It's a flat government charge that applies to everyone.

You pay this fee when you submit your completed LPA for registration. The OPG accepts payment by:

  • Cheque
  • Debit or credit card (for online applications)

LPA Costs Compared {#costs-compared}

The gap between DIY (£164 total) and full solicitor service (£1,000+) is significant. Understanding what you get for that extra money helps you make the right choice.

DIY LPA Costs {#diy-costs}

Total cost: £82 per LPA (£164 for both)

The government provides a free online service at gov.uk/power-of-attorney that guides you through creating an LPA step by step.

What You Get

  • Clear guidance at each stage
  • Built-in error checking
  • Ability to save and return later
  • PDF generation for printing and signing
  • Online registration and fee payment

What You Don't Get

  • Legal advice on your specific situation
  • Someone to check your choices make sense
  • Help if something goes wrong
  • Storage of your documents

Who Is DIY Right For?

DIY works well if you have:

  • A straightforward situation (married, clear beneficiaries)
  • Comfort using online forms
  • Someone suitable to be your certificate provider
  • Time to read and understand the guidance
  • Basic understanding of what an LPA does

Online Service Costs {#online-costs}

Total cost: £194-282 for both LPAs

Several companies offer online LPA services that sit between DIY and solicitor. They typically charge £30-100 per LPA on top of the registration fee.

What You Get

  • Guided form completion (easier than gov.uk for some people)
  • Error checking and validation
  • Phone or chat support
  • Document review before submission
  • Sometimes storage options

Popular Online Services

ServiceCost per LPANotes
FarewillFrom £50Combined with will services
Co-op LegalFrom £75Includes document check
Which? WillsFrom £60Member discounts available

Prices checked January 2026. Always verify current pricing.

Who Are Online Services Right For?

Online services work well if you:

  • Want more guidance than DIY provides
  • Have a straightforward situation
  • Value customer support
  • Don't need specific legal advice

Solicitor Costs {#solicitor-costs}

Total cost: £564-1,164+ for both LPAs

Solicitors typically charge £200-500 per LPA for preparation, advice, and assistance, plus the £82 registration fee.

What You Get

  • Face-to-face or video consultation
  • Legal advice on your specific situation
  • Professional drafting of documents
  • Guidance on choosing attorneys
  • Certificate provider service (often included)
  • Secure document storage
  • Help if issues arise during registration

What Affects Solicitor Pricing?

Higher costs likely if:

  • You're in London or the South East
  • You use a large national firm
  • Your situation is complex (multiple properties, business interests)
  • You need home visits
  • Urgent turnaround is required

Lower costs likely if:

  • You use a local high street solicitor
  • Bundle with will writing
  • Simple, standard situation
  • You're organised and responsive

When Is a Solicitor Worth It?

Consider paying for a solicitor if:

  • You have complex assets (business, overseas property, trusts)
  • You're unsure who to appoint as attorney
  • There are family disputes or potential for conflict
  • You want legal protection if challenged later
  • You're also making a complex will

Fee Exemptions and Reductions {#exemptions}

The OPG offers help with fees for people on low incomes or certain benefits.

Full Exemption (£0 Registration Fee)

You pay nothing if you receive:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit (and earned less than £2,167 in the last monthly assessment period)
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Reduction (not discount)
  • Local Housing Allowance

50% Reduction (£41 per LPA)

You receive a 50% reduction if your gross annual income is below £12,000.

How to Apply for Exemption or Reduction

When you submit your LPA, include:

  • A completed fee remission form (LPA120)
  • Evidence of your benefits or income

The OPG will process your exemption alongside your LPA registration.

Hidden Costs to Watch For {#hidden-costs}

Certificate Provider Fees

Your LPA requires a certificate provider - someone who confirms you understand the LPA and aren't being pressured. If you use a professional (like a solicitor or GP), they may charge:

  • Solicitor: Often free if they're preparing the LPA, otherwise £50-100
  • GP: Usually £20-50 for a letter or signature
  • Other professional: Varies

If a friend or family member who has known you for 2+ years acts as certificate provider, there's no cost.

Notarisation

Standard LPAs don't require notarisation. However, if your LPA will be used internationally (for overseas property, for example), you may need notarised copies. Notary fees are typically £50-150 per document.

Storage Costs

Some solicitors charge annual fees to store your LPA documents securely. This is optional - you can store them yourself. If offered, storage typically costs £25-50 per year.

Updating an LPA

If you need to change your LPA in the future (new attorney, changed circumstances), you must create a new one and pay the registration fee again. LPAs cannot be amended once registered.

Is Cheap Always Bad? {#cheap-vs-expensive}

No. For most people in straightforward situations, DIY or a low-cost online service is perfectly adequate.

The LPA forms are standardised by law. Whether you complete them yourself or pay a solicitor £500, the end document is fundamentally the same. The solicitor isn't creating a "better" LPA - they're providing advice and error-checking.

When To Spend More

Pay for professional help if:

  • You genuinely don't understand what you're doing
  • Your situation is complex (multiple marriages, business interests, international elements)
  • There's potential for family disputes
  • You want advice, not just form-filling
  • You're making a complex will at the same time

When To Save

DIY or use a budget service if:

  • Your situation is straightforward
  • You're comfortable with online forms
  • You understand what an LPA does and who you want as attorney
  • You have someone suitable to be your certificate provider
  • You want to get it done without waiting for solicitor appointments

Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}

Key Takeaways

  • Registration fee is £82 per LPA (£164 for both types) - this is the only mandatory cost
  • DIY is free using the gov.uk online service - suitable for most straightforward situations
  • Professional help costs £100-500+ per LPA depending on the provider and complexity
  • Fee exemptions are available for those on certain benefits or low income
  • Solicitors aren't always necessary - the forms are standardised, so you're paying for advice, not a better document

Next Steps {#next-steps}

Related Guides:

Last updated: January 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Fees quoted are for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different systems and fees.

Last updated: 11 January 2026