At a Glance: How much should lasting power of attorney cost in the UK?

In the UK (2026), the average cost of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is typically around £184 per person in government fees, based on £92 per document charged by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Most people require two LPAs (Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs). Solicitor-assisted applications usually range from £300 to £1,200 depending on complexity. Fee reductions or exemptions may apply depending on financial circumstances.

Two professional navy blue Lasting Power of Attorney folders for Health and Welfare and Property and Financial Affairs on a wooden desk with Xwills.com branding.
Most people in the UK require both types of Lasting Power of Attorney (Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs), which incur a combined government registration fee of £184.
Last updated: April 2026 — England & Wales Law Author: Andrew Walters, Member of the Society of Will Writers

Direct answer: how much should lasting power of attorney cost in the UK?

If you are wondering how much should lasting power of attorney cost in the UK, the answer depends on whether you complete the application yourself or use a solicitor. The cost typically falls between £184 and £1,200 depending on the level of service.

The core government charge is £92 per LPA document set by the Office of the Public Guardian, and most people require two LPAs (Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs).

This means the average total cost of a Lasting Power of Attorney in 2026 is around £184 per person in statutory fees alone, before any legal or professional assistance is added.

For a full breakdown of the legal process, see our guide: Lasting Power of Attorney UK 2026 explained.


Full cost breakdown of a Lasting Power of Attorney (2026)

  • £92 per LPA – Government registration fee (OPG)
  • £184 per person – Typical total (two LPAs required)
  • £300–£600 – Guided / online assisted applications
  • £600–£1,200 – Solicitor-managed applications with full advice

These figures reflect typical UK market pricing for LPA services in 2026, based on government fee schedules and average solicitor charges.

How much should lasting power of attorney cost in the UK?
Total costs for an LPA depend on whether you choose a DIY route or hire a professional to ensure your documents are legally watertight.

Government fees (Office of the Public Guardian)

All Lasting Power of Attorney applications must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The current statutory fee is £92 per document.

This fee is set nationally and applies regardless of whether the application is completed independently or via a solicitor. Fee reductions or exemptions may be available depending on income or qualifying benefits.

Important 2026 Update: As of February 2, 2026, those receiving Universal Credit no longer automatically qualify for a fee reduction. Eligibility is now strictly tied to the £12,000 gross annual income threshold.

How much do solicitors charge for Lasting Power of Attorney?

Solicitor fees vary depending on complexity, family structure, and whether full legal advice is required. While more expensive, solicitor involvement reduces the risk of rejection due to incorrect completion.

If you are asking how much should lasting power of attorney cost in the UK when using a professional, typical solicitor fees in 2026 range from £600 to £1,200 for a full service covering both documents.

Service OptionTypical Cost (2026)
DIY application£184 (OPG fees only)
Assisted service£300–£600
Solicitor service£600–£1,200
Graphic showing the £92 OPG registration fee with a highlight on the 50% fee remission for those with income under £12,000.
The OPG registration fee is mandatory, but you may pay as little as £46 or even £0 if you meet specific income or benefit criteria.

Risks and hidden costs if something goes wrong

If a Lasting Power of Attorney is not correctly completed or is not registered before loss of mental capacity, families may often face the "Doing Nothing" trap. This requires an application to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order.

Warning: Typical deputyship cost (UK):

£2,500 – £5,000+ including court fees, legal fees, deputy training, and ongoing annual supervision costs.

This is why correct completion and early registration of an LPA is considered the gold standard in UK estate planning. It keeps control with your family and avoids thousands in unnecessary legal spending.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much should lasting power of attorney cost in the UK?

When calculating how much should lasting power of attorney cost in the UK, the average starting point is £184 per person for the mandatory government registration fees. Any costs above this depend on whether you choose a professional service for legal advice and document drafting.

Is £92 the total cost of an LPA?

No. The £92 fee is charged per document by the OPG. Because most people require both the "Property and Financial Affairs" and the "Health and Welfare" documents, the total government fee is usually £184.

Why do solicitor costs vary so much?

Solicitor costs vary based on the complexity of your estate, family dynamics (such as blended families), and whether the service includes full capacity assessments or home visits.

Can you reduce LPA costs?

Yes. If the donor has a gross annual income of less than £12,000, they may be eligible for a 50% "fee remission," reducing the cost to £46 per document. Those on specific means-tested benefits may qualify for a 100% exemption.

A warning graphic comparing the low cost of an LPA (£184) against the high cost of Court of Protection Deputyship (£2,500+).
Failing to register an LPA while you have capacity can result in Deputyship costs exceeding £5,000 in legal and court fees.

Summary: Planning for the future

Understanding the question "how much should lasting power of attorney cost in the UK?" is the first step in protecting your family's future. While the DIY route is the most affordable at £184, professional assistance from an estate planning specialist ensures that your documents are legally watertight and ready when they are needed most.

By registering your LPA now, you avoid the significant financial and emotional burden of Court of Protection deputyship, which can cost upwards of £5,000. For personalised advice on your specific circumstances, we recommend an expert review to ensure your Health, Welfare, and Financial affairs are fully protected.

If you want a clear, fixed-cost breakdown of your Lasting Power of Attorney options, you can review all pricing and setup routes in one place.

Government fees, solicitor costs, and DIY options explained in plain English.

View Full LPA Cost Breakdown