How Much Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Cost in the UK (2026)?
Fee update — November 2025
The OPG registration fee increased from £82 to £92 per LPA on 17 November 2025. For both LPA types together, the government fee is now £184. The Universal Credit automatic fee reduction also ended on 2 February 2026.
Quick answer
An LPA costs a minimum of £92 in government fees per document (£184 for both types). DIY: £92 + your time. Guidance pack route: £92 + ~£25 for guidance. Solicitor: £92 + £250–£600 per LPA in professional fees. If your income is under £12,000 you pay only £46 per LPA.
The full LPA cost breakdown for 2026
| Route | Cost per LPA | Cost for both LPAs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (OPG forms only) | £92 (gov fee only) | £184 | Confident, organised people with straightforward situations |
| Guidance pack + DIY ✓ Best value | £92 + ~£25 guidance | £209 | People who want step-by-step help without solicitor fees |
| Online LPA service | £92 + £75–£200 service fee | £334–£584 | Those who want a structured online process with support |
| Will writer / estate planner | £92 + £150–£300 | £484–£784 | People already using a non-solicitor estate planner |
| High street solicitor | £92 + £250–£450 + VAT | £884–£1,484 | Complex estates, family disputes, overseas assets |
| Specialist LPA solicitor | £92 + £350–£600 + VAT | £1,084–£1,784 | Business LPAs, trusts, multi-property estates |
The OPG registration fee: £92 per LPA
Every LPA in England and Wales must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used. The government registration fee is currently £92 per LPA, charged when you submit the completed forms. This fee increased from £82 on 17 November 2025.
There are two types of LPA — Property and Financial Affairs, and Health and Welfare. Most people make both. The government fee is charged separately for each: £184 total.
The forms themselves are free to download from gov.uk/power-of-attorney. The cost of drafting the LPA is separate from the registration fee and depends on which route you choose.
Fee reductions: who pays less?
If the donor's (the person making the LPA) gross annual income is under £12,000, the OPG registration fee is reduced by 50% to £46 per LPA. Those receiving some means-tested benefits may be fully exempt (£0 registration fee).
Important change from 2 February 2026
Universal Credit no longer automatically qualifies donors for an OPG fee reduction or exemption. From 2 February 2026, only donors with gross annual income under £12,000 qualify for the 50% reduction, regardless of benefit entitlement.
What does a solicitor charge for an LPA?
Solicitor fees for a single LPA in England and Wales typically range from £250 to £600 plus VAT, excluding the £92 OPG registration fee. The total all-in cost for one LPA via a solicitor is therefore roughly £400–£900 including VAT and registration.
For both LPAs combined, most high street solicitors charge a discounted package rate of £600–£1,200 plus VAT, plus £184 in OPG fees — so £900–£1,600+ all-in.
A solicitor adds value when: the donor has complex business interests; there are disputes within the family; the donor wants to restrict what attorneys can do; or the estate involves overseas assets. For a standard LPA with a trusted family member as attorney, a guidance pack and the official OPG forms are usually sufficient.
The guidance pack route: £25 + £92 government fee
WillSafe UK sells an LPA Guidance Pack (£25) that walks you through completing the official OPG Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare LPA forms in plain English. The guidance pack is not the official forms — it is a step-by-step companion that explains each section, the witnessing requirements, certificate provider rules, and how to submit to the OPG.
All-in cost via the guidance pack route: £25 + £92 per LPA = £117 per LPA, or £209 for both types of LPA. That compares with £900–£1,600 via a solicitor.
LPA vs will: which do you need?
| Document | When it applies | What it covers | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will | After death | Who inherits your assets, who manages your estate, guardianship of children | £39.99 (DIY kit) |
| LPA — Property & Financial Affairs | During life, if capacity is lost (or earlier if desired) | Bank accounts, bills, property, investments | £92 gov fee + guidance |
| LPA — Health & Welfare | During life, only when capacity is lost | Medical treatment, care decisions, daily welfare | £92 gov fee + guidance |
Most UK adults need both a will and both types of LPA. A will cannot help if you lose capacity — it only operates after death. An LPA cannot help after death — only your will directs what happens to your estate. The two documents cover different life events and are both essential.
How long does LPA registration take in 2026?
The OPG currently takes 8–12 weeks to register a standard LPA. There is no fast-track option for standard applications. An LPA cannot be used until it is registered — which means you must apply before it is needed. You also cannot make an LPA after you have lost mental capacity.
Apply early. The typical advice is to make both LPAs at the same time as writing your will — when you are in good health and have the capacity and the motivation to complete the paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Lasting Power of Attorney cost in the UK in 2026?▼
The government registration fee is £92 per LPA, charged by the Office of the Public Guardian. For both types (Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare), the total government fee is £184. Add solicitor fees of £250–£600+ per LPA if using a solicitor, or use a guidance pack or online service to reduce costs.
Did the LPA registration fee go up in 2026?▼
Yes. The OPG registration fee increased from £82 to £92 on 17 November 2025. This was the first increase since the OPG lowered fees in 2023. The fee applies per LPA document, so both LPA types together cost £184 in government fees.
Can I get a fee reduction or exemption for an LPA?▼
Yes. If the donor's gross annual income is under £12,000, the OPG registration fee is reduced by 50% to £46 per LPA. People receiving certain qualifying benefits may be fully exempt. Note: from 2 February 2026, Universal Credit no longer automatically qualifies you for a fee reduction — income must be under £12,000.
What is the cheapest legal way to get an LPA in the UK?▼
The cheapest route is DIY using the official OPG forms at gov.uk, paying only the £92 registration fee. The forms are free to download and complete. If you want guidance without full solicitor fees, a plain-English LPA guidance pack (such as WillSafe UK's at £25) walks you through the official forms step by step. You still pay the government registration fee on top.
How long does it take to register an LPA with the OPG?▼
The OPG currently takes 8–12 weeks to register an LPA. The process has improved since the online registration system launched in 2024, but there is no way to fast-track standard applications. An LPA cannot be used until it is registered, so apply well before it is needed — you cannot make an LPA after losing mental capacity.
Do I need a solicitor to make a Lasting Power of Attorney?▼
No. Making an LPA is not a reserved legal activity in England and Wales. You can complete the official OPG forms yourself, or use a non-solicitor guidance service. A solicitor adds value for complex situations (business interests, overseas assets, family disputes) but is not legally required for a standard LPA.
What is the difference between the two types of LPA?▼
There are two types: (1) Property and Financial Affairs LPA — covers bank accounts, property, investments, and paying bills. Can be used while you still have capacity if you wish. (2) Health and Welfare LPA — covers medical treatment, care home decisions, and day-to-day personal care. Can only be used when you lack capacity. Most people need both.
Get your LPA paperwork right — without solicitor fees
The WillSafe UK LPA Guidance Pack (£25) walks you through the official OPG forms in plain English. Pair it with the Essentials Bundle for a complete estate plan — will, LPA guidance, letter of wishes and more — for £89.99.
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This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. OPG fee information correct at time of publication (May 2026). Check gov.uk for the current registration fee before submitting. WillSafe UK is not a firm of solicitors. The LPA Guidance Pack is a plain-English guide to completing the official OPG forms — it is not the official forms and does not constitute legal advice. Last reviewed 12 May 2026.