Cost of Lasting Power of Attorney in the UK - What You Will Pay and Why

You take care of your family all of your life. Protect them from unexpected financial losses and burdens in your absence will be a crucial step. Don’t leave them in a mess when you are not there. Using estate planning and will writing services will be the best way, ensuring their protection and yours. Will writing is a crucial step – ensuring your loved ones inherit your hard earned estate; while estate planning minimises the risk of family disputes and potential stress by writing your will.

·         Protective trusts are also crucial to ensure your children and grandchildren are taken care of financially and personally.

·         Lasting Power of Attorney is legal document that allows an individual to appoint trusted people, known as attorneys, to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity.

·         There are two types - one for health and welfare, covering medical treatment and care choices and another for property and financial affairs, managing money, bills, and assets.

·         The Lasting Power of Attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before use.

Setting one up provides peace of mind, ensuring decisions are made in line with your wishes and by those you trust most.

Cost of Lasting Power of Attorney – Know About the Cost before Appointing Someone as an LPA

The first thing to consider is hiring professional advisors who can help in the procedure of appointing an LPA. Do not forget to know about the cost of probate the Lasting Power of Attorney UK.

When considering the cost of setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney in the UK, it’s important to distinguish between the official registration fee and the wider expenses that may arise.

·         The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) currently charges £82 to register each LPA.

·         Since there are two types of LPA – one for property and financial affairs, and another for health and welfare – the total fee is £164 if both are registered.

·         This charge applies per document, not per person, which means couples who want LPAs for each other will usually pay double.

Some people may qualify for a reduction or exemption. If the donor (the person making the LPA) earns less than £12,000 a year, they may be eligible for a 50% discount, bringing the cost of probate down to £41 per LPA.

Those on certain means-tested benefits can apply for a full exemption. It’s therefore worth checking eligibility before paying the standard fee.

Professional’s Fee (If You Choose a Solicitor or Will-Writing Service)

Beyond the OPG charges, there may be professional fees if you choose to use a solicitor or will-writing service. While you can complete the forms yourself online or by post, many prefer legal guidance to ensure everything is completed correctly and to avoid potential disputes later. Solicitors typically charge anywhere between £250 and £600 per LPA, depending on complexity, location, and whether both types are required.

Summary: Knowing about the cost of probate will be a crucial step before appointing someone as an LPA. These are usually charged at around £35–£50 each if arranged through a solicitor, though you can make your own certified copies at a lower cost once the document has been registered.