How Much Does a Solicitor Charge for Power of Attorney UK? Costs 2025 Guide

Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney involves costs that extend beyond the fixed government registration fee. Solicitor charges for preparing these documents typically range between £400 and over £1,000 per LPA, depending on the firm, location, and complexity of the case. The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) sets a separate registration fee of £92 per LPA, bringing potential total costs to £1,000 or more for professional preparation of both main LPA types.

Understanding where these fees come from—and where savings can be made—helps families plan ahead. Solicitors generally charge for the time spent drafting, checking, and witnessing the documents, while additional services like handling the registration process can push costs higher. For those with straightforward circumstances, cheaper alternatives exist.

This guide breaks down what UK solicitors typically charge, how those fees compare with DIY options, and what financial support may be available for those on lower incomes.

How much does a solicitor charge for Power of Attorney UK?

What solicitors typically charge for LPAs

Solicitor fees for Lasting Powers of Attorney are not regulated, meaning firms set their own rates. This lack of standardisation means costs can vary considerably across the UK. According to available pricing from several firms, charges generally fall between £400 and £1,000 per LPA before VAT is added.

Levi Solicitors, for example, charges £400 plus VAT for a single LPA, rising to £700 plus VAT when preparing two documents for one person. Couples completing both types of LPA can expect to pay around £1,000 plus VAT. Devonalds Solicitors offers a more competitive structure at £350 plus VAT for both LPAs for a single person, or £450 plus VAT per person for couples.

Co-op Legal Services operates at £399 plus VAT per LPA under its fully advised service, or £599 plus VAT for matching documents for two people. The Co-op approach includes a structured advice process, which may justify the higher cost for those seeking guidance through the process.

Across the sector, firms charging towards the lower end of the spectrum often provide a basic preparation service without the extensive face-to-face advice that some clients require. Higher-end fees typically reflect additional consultations, complex scenario planning, or handling of the full registration process on the client’s behalf.

Fees across different firm types

High street solicitors often charge more than online-only services or will-writing firms that have streamlined their LPA processes. Regional variation also plays a role, with firms in London and the South East tending to command higher fees than those in other parts of England and Wales.

Specialist firms dealing exclusively with Powers of Attorney and elder law may offer more detailed advice, particularly for clients with complex family structures, multiple properties, or concerns about mental capacity. For straightforward cases where the donor simply needs both LPAs in place, a smaller local firm or an online service may provide adequate support at a lower cost.

Some firms advertise fixed-fee packages that include both LPAs plus registration handling, while others itemise each stage. Comparing like-for-like quotes requires understanding exactly what is and is not included in each estimate.

Comparison: Solicitor vs online services vs DIY

For those willing to handle more of the process themselves, online services offer a middle ground. Providers including the Co-op Legal Services online platform charge between £99 and £150 per LPA, plus the £92 OPG registration fee. This brings the total for both LPAs to around £400 or less—significantly cheaper than most solicitor fees.

The fully DIY route costs the least. GOV.UK provides downloadable LPA forms free of charge for England and Wales, with only the £92 registration fee per document payable to the OPG. Those who can complete the forms accurately without professional guidance can thus establish both LPAs for £184 total.

The trade-off lies in risk and complexity. Solicitors can identify issues with asset ownership, family dynamics, or capacity concerns that DIY applicants might miss. If an LPA is completed incorrectly, the OPG may reject it, requiring re-submission and additional fees.

What is the lasting power of attorney cost?

The lasting power of attorney cost in the UK comprises two separate elements: the professional preparation fee and the government registration charge. These are charged independently and are not combined by any service provider. The OPG registration fee applies uniformly across England and Wales, regardless of whether a solicitor, online service, or DIY approach is used.

The OPG registration fee explained

The Office of the Public Guardian currently charges £92 per Lasting Power of Attorney document. This fee increased from £82 on 17 November 2025. For donors setting up both the Property & Financial Affairs LPA and the Health & Welfare LPA, the combined registration cost stands at £184.

This registration fee is payable directly to the OPG once the completed forms and relevant notices are submitted. The fee cannot be waived except in specific circumstances, but reductions are available for those on lower incomes.

Understanding the full cost breakdown

When both solicitor preparation and OPG registration are combined, the full cost of establishing LPAs can be substantial. Based on current pricing, a single LPA prepared by a solicitor with both LPAs completed costs between £892 (at £400+VAT per LPA) and £1,184 (at £700+VAT total) before accounting for registration fees. Adding the £92 per LPA registration charge pushes these figures higher.

For comparison, using an online service brings total costs to between £382 and £484 for both LPAs. The DIY route minimises spending to just the £184 registration fee. These figures illustrate why it is worth comparing options before committing to any single route.

Additional costs may arise from capacity assessments if there is any doubt about the donor’s ability to understand the LPA, or from secure storage services offered by some firms at around £48. These are not universal and depend on individual circumstances.

What does Martin Lewis say about power of attorney costs?

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, is widely known for providing detailed guidance on consumer finance topics. While searches for his direct advice on LPA costs did not return specific results at the time of writing, his platform typically covers topics where significant consumer savings are available.

Those seeking guidance aligned with Martin Lewis’s approach—focusing on minimising costs while ensuring adequate protection—should check his website directly for any published content on Powers of Attorney. Consumer finance platforms of this nature regularly update their guidance as regulations and fee structures change.

The core principles likely applicable here mirror his general advice: compare prices from multiple providers, understand exactly what is included in quoted fees, and consider whether the additional cost of professional advice is proportionate to the complexity of the situation. For many people, the OPG’s DIY route provides sufficient protection at the lowest possible cost.

What is Age UK’s advice on power of attorney costs?

Age UK provides detailed guidance on Powers of Attorney, confirming the current OPG registration fee of £92 per LPA and outlining available reductions for those on lower incomes. As one of the most widely referenced charity sources on later life legal matters, their advice carries significant weight and reflects current official requirements.

The charity highlights that the registration fee applies identically whether the LPA is prepared professionally or through DIY forms. This means the OPG fee component remains consistent across all preparation methods, and the variation in total costs stems entirely from how much is charged for preparing the documents.

Age UK also notes that the £92 fee represents a fixed cost for all applicants in England and Wales, with the reduction to £46 available for those earning under £12,000 annually and full exemption for certain benefit recipients. Their guidance recommends applying for these reductions through the OPG before submission to avoid processing delays.

Age UK advises that anyone unsure about their eligibility for fee reductions should contact the OPG directly or seek advice from a benefits expert before submitting their application.

How much is power of attorney in Scotland?

Scotland operates a separate legal system, and Powers of Attorney in that jurisdiction function under different terminology and procedures. Rather than Lasting Powers of Attorney, Scottish law recognises Continuing Attorney (Financial) powers and Welfare powers, each with distinct forms and oversight arrangements.

The Office of the Public Guardian Scotland manages registration in Scotland, and the fee structure may differ from the £92 per LPA charge applicable in England and Wales. The specific costs for registering powers of attorney in Scotland fall outside the scope of this guide.

Those in Scotland seeking to establish equivalent protection should consult the Scottish Government or OPG Scotland directly for current fees and requirements. The Gov.uk site covering Powers of Attorney notes that England and Wales fees apply as described elsewhere in this guide, but does not cover Scottish arrangements in detail.

Cross-border considerations also arise when a person with assets or health needs in both jurisdictions requires coverage. In such cases, separate documents may be needed in each jurisdiction, with associated costs in both systems.

How power of attorney costs have changed

The OPG registration fee for LPAs was increased from £82 to £92 per document on 17 November 2025. This recent change means that anyone comparing older quotes or published fee guides from before that date should account for the higher current rate.

1. Pre-November 2025: £82 registration fee per LPA
2. 17 November 2025: Fee increased to £92 per LPA
3. Current total for both LPAs (registration only): £184
4. Projected changes: Future fee adjustments may occur; monitoring the OPG website is advisable for anyone planning ahead

Solicitor fees have not been subject to equivalent official increases, since they are set by individual firms rather than government. However, competition and market conditions mean that firms periodically review their pricing, and some have maintained rates despite the OPG increase.

For those comparing historical costs from blog posts or articles published before November 2025, it is important to note that the registration fee component has risen by roughly 12%. Any total cost estimates based on older sources may underestimate current spending requirements.

What is established and what remains unclear

Certain information about LPA costs is well-established and widely documented. The OPG registration fee of £92 per document, the availability of reductions for lower-income applicants, and the general solicitor fee range of £400 to over £1,000 per LPA all appear consistently across sources.

• Solicitor fees typically range between £400 and £1,000+ per LPA before VAT
• VAT adds approximately 20% to professional preparation costs
• The OPG registration fee is £92 per LPA (increased from £82 in November 2025)
• Both LPAs together cost £184 in registration fees alone
• Fee reductions to £46 apply for incomes under £12,000; full exemption exists for certain benefits

Areas that remain less clear include the precise fee structure for Scotland, which falls under a separate jurisdiction and regulatory authority. Additionally, while several firms have published their pricing, many solicitors do not advertise fees publicly, making comprehensive price comparison difficult without direct enquiry.

• Scotland-specific fees and processes are not detailed in this guide
• Not all solicitors publish pricing; obtaining personalised quotes requires direct contact
• Costs for complex cases involving capacity concerns or disputes may exceed typical ranges
• Future fee changes by the OPG cannot be predicted with certainty

Why costs vary and what drives them

Several factors contribute to the variation in solicitor charges for Powers of Attorney. The complexity of the client’s circumstances stands as the primary driver. Someone with multiple properties, business interests, or a blended family may require more detailed drafting and advice, justifying higher fees.

Location also influences pricing. Solicitors in larger cities, particularly London, often charge more than those in regional centres. This reflects higher operating costs in urban areas and, in some cases, greater specialist expertise among city-based firms.

The scope of service matters significantly. Some firms include handling the entire registration process as standard, while others charge separately for this service. Comparing quotes requires understanding exactly what each firm includes and excludes.

For straightforward cases where the donor is in good health and has simple asset arrangements, the additional cost of a solicitor’s time may not provide proportionate benefit. In such situations, the DIY route offers the same legal protection at the lowest possible cost, provided the forms are completed correctly.

Sources and guidance references

The information in this guide draws on pricing published by individual solicitors, official OPG fee guidance, and advice from organisations including Age UK. Where possible, specific sources have been cited directly to allow readers to verify details or seek the most current information.

Age UK publishes guidance confirming the £92 registration fee and outlining eligibility for reductions. Devonalds Solicitors provides detailed fee breakdowns including VAT and notes the November 2025 increase. Levi Solicitors and Co-op Legal Services publish fixed pricing for their respective services.

The Gov.uk site remains the authoritative source for official forms and registration procedures. Anyone preparing LPAs should verify current requirements there, particularly if using DIY routes, as forms and guidance are periodically updated.

Next steps for those considering a power of attorney

For anyone planning to establish a Lasting Power of Attorney, comparing costs across at least two or three providers is advisable. Solicitors, online services, and DIY routes each carry distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on individual circumstances, budget, and comfort with the process.

Those with straightforward circumstances and confidence in completing official forms may find the DIY route adequate. Others, particularly those with complex family situations or significant assets, may benefit from the reassurance of professional advice even at higher cost.

Before proceeding, checking eligibility for fee reductions and understanding exactly what each quoted price includes can prevent unexpected expenses. Those planning to spread legal costs over time may also wish to explore personal financing options.

Frequently asked questions