LPA Costs in England & Wales (2026 Guide)

Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family. But what does it actually cost — and are there ways to reduce the bill?

Here's a clear, up-to-date breakdown for 2026.

*This guide covers Lasting Powers of Attorney in England and Wales. Scottish law differs — the equivalent document in Scotland is a Continuing Power of Attorney.*

Quick Summary: LPA Costs at a Glance

For current LPA registration fees and official fee guidance from the Office of the Public Guardian, see the GOV.UK website.

To understand what an LPA is and why you need one, see our complete guide.

The Two Components of LPA Cost

Every LPA has two cost elements:

• The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) registration fee — a fixed government charge
• Professional or service fees — what you pay a solicitor, will writer, or online platform to help prepare the document

Understanding the difference helps you make an informed decision about where to spend and where to save.

The OPG Registration Fee

Applying to register an LPA costs £92 unless you get a reduction or exemption. This fee increased from £82 to £92 per LPA application from 17 November 2025.

It costs £184 to register both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA. Most people are advised to set up both — they cover different aspects of your life and cannot substitute for each other.

This fee is paid directly to the government and is the same regardless of who helps you prepare the document.

Can You Get a Reduction or Exemption?

Yes — and many people qualify without realising it.

If the donor receives a qualifying benefit such as Income Support or Housing Benefit, they may be entitled to a 100% exemption. Donors with a gross annual income under £12,000 who do not receive those benefits may be eligible for a 50% remission, bringing the fee to £46 per document.

You need benefit award letters dated within the current tax year, a P60 or three months of payslips. Bank statements alone are not enough. Your LPA120 form must go in with your application.

If you think you may qualify, apply for the remission at the same time as your LPA — it cannot be claimed retrospectively.

Option 1: DIY via GOV.UK

You can complete and submit an LPA yourself using the government's online service. In this case, you pay only the £92 OPG registration fee per LPA — no professional fees on top.

The trade-off: nearly 134,000 applications were rejected due to errors in 2024. A rejected application means delays, potential resubmission costs, and the risk that the donor loses mental capacity before the LPA is registered. If you take the DIY route, follow the instructions carefully and check every detail before submitting.

Option 2: Online LPA Service

Online platforms guide you through the process step by step, reducing the risk of errors while keeping costs significantly lower than a solicitor.

You pay the £92 OPG fee plus a service fee — typically £50–£200 depending on the platform and what's included. For both LPAs, expect to pay in the region of £250–£400 in total.

This is the best value option for most people with straightforward circumstances. Whether you are looking for a power of attorney service in London or elsewhere in England and Wales, online platforms offer the same quality at a fraction of the cost.

Option 3: Solicitor

A full solicitor service for a single person covering both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA typically costs around £350 + VAT, with couples paying around £450 + VAT — on top of the OPG registration fees.

So for a single person using a solicitor and registering both LPAs, the total cost is typically:

• Solicitor fee: £350 + VAT (£420)
• OPG fees: £184 (two LPAs at £92 each)
• Total: approximately £604

A solicitor service typically includes an initial consultation, advice on which LPAs you need, guidance on choosing attorneys, accurate drafting, acting as the certificate provider, checking for errors, and submitting the application to the Office of the Public Guardian.

Worth it for complex situations — less necessary for most straightforward cases.

What If You Don't Set Up an LPA?

If a person loses capacity and has no LPA in place, the alternative is a Deputyship — where the Court of Protection decides who can act on their behalf. The appointment process is both time-consuming and expensive, and can take several months. During that period, family members will not have the power to manage affairs such as paying bills, claiming benefits, or accessing bank accounts.

The cost of a Deputyship application — court fees, solicitor costs, and ongoing annual supervision fees — typically far exceeds the cost of setting up an LPA in advance.

How Long Does Registration Take?

Registration takes 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes in the application. This is why getting it right first time matters — errors mean resubmission and further delays.

Importantly, an LPA must be registered before it can be used. If you or a loved one loses mental capacity before registration is complete, the document cannot be used until the OPG processes it. This is why acting early is so important.

Two Types of LPA — Do You Need Both?

There are two distinct LPAs, and they cover very different ground:

Property and Financial Affairs LPA — Covers decisions about money, property, bank accounts, bills, benefits, and investments. This type can be used as soon as it is registered, with your permission — not just when you lose capacity.

Health and Welfare LPA — Covers decisions about medical treatment, care arrangements, and daily routine. It can only be used when you are unable to make decisions yourself.

Most people benefit from having both. Setting them up together is more cost-effective than doing them separately at different times.

Cost Comparison Summary

Common Questions About LPA Costs

Can I pay in instalments? The OPG requires payment upfront. Some solicitors and online services may offer payment flexibility — check before instructing.

Are there any hidden costs? Potential additional costs include certified copies of your registered LPA (typically £35 each from the OPG), courier fees if documents need secure posting, and amendments after drafting. Always ask for a full cost breakdown upfront.

What happens if my application is rejected? You will need to correct the error and resubmit. In most cases the OPG fee is not automatically refunded for rejected applications, though you may be able to appeal. Using a professional service significantly reduces this risk.

The Bottom Line

For most people in England and Wales, an online LPA service offers the best balance of cost, accuracy, and convenience. You pay the fixed £92 OPG fee per LPA plus a modest service fee — and significantly reduce the risk of an error that delays or invalidates your application.

The most expensive decision you can make is to put it off. Setting up an LPA while you have mental capacity takes a few weeks and a few hundred pounds. Applying for Deputyship through the Court of Protection after capacity is lost can take months and cost thousands.

You can also make a will online at the same time, or find out how much does a will cost.

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*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This guide covers Lasting Powers of Attorney in England and Wales. Scottish law differs — the equivalent document in Scotland is a Continuing Power of Attorney. For complex situations, we recommend seeking independent legal guidance.*

Start your LPA — affordable peace of mind.

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Here is what a lasting power of attorney UK costs in 2026. An online power of attorney service UK like Wills & Power costs significantly less than a solicitor.

Create LPA online — London and England & Wales. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.

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