Power of Attorney Cost Calculator

There are two separate LPAs in England and Wales, and most people set up both:

• Property & Financial Affairs: lets your attorney manage money, bills, property and investments. It can be used while you still have capacity, with your permission.
• Health & Welfare: covers medical care, where you live and life-sustaining treatment. It can only be used once you have lost capacity.

Each LPA is registered separately and costs £82. A couple wanting both types therefore needs four LPAs at £328 in fees.

You can complete and register LPAs yourself through the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), online or on paper, paying only the registration fee. A solicitor typically charges £150–£300 per LPA on top, which can be worth it for complex family situations, business interests, or to ensure the forms are watertight.

The £82 fee can be reduced or waived:

• 50% reduction if your gross annual income is less than £12,000.
• Full exemption if you receive certain means-tested benefits such as Income Support, income-based ESA or Guarantee Pension Credit.

A married couple each want a Property & Financial and a Health & Welfare LPA — four LPAs in total. Doing it themselves, that is 4 × £82 = £328 in registration fees and nothing else. Using a solicitor at around £200 per LPA would add about £800, taking the total to roughly £1,128.

• Leaving it too late. You can only make an LPA while you have capacity; after that it is the Court of Protection, which costs far more.
• Only setting up one type. A financial LPA does not cover medical decisions, and vice versa — most people need both.
• Choosing the wrong attorney. Pick someone you trust completely; they will have significant control over your affairs.
• Not telling anyone it exists. Attorneys and family should know the LPA exists and where to find it.