Solicitor Fees for Power of Attorney UK

For anyone planning ahead, arranging a Power of Attorney is an important legal step. It allows trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf, whether in financial matters or health and welfare. In the UK, many people choose to involve a solicitor to ensure the process is handled correctly. The cost of this service varies depending on the type of Power of Attorney and the complexity of the case. Understanding the typical fees and what influences them helps you budget and avoid surprises.

Types of Power of Attorney

The cost depends on the type of Power of Attorney being created. An Ordinary Power of Attorney is usually used for short term or specific financial matters and remains valid only while you retain mental capacity. A Lasting Power of Attorney is more common and continues to be valid even if you lose capacity. In England and Wales there are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney. One covers property and financial affairs, while the other covers health and welfare. Some clients arrange one, others arrange both, which naturally increases costs.

Government Registration Fees

Regardless of whether you prepare the documents yourself or instruct a solicitor, a registration fee is payable to the Office of the Public Guardian. The current fee is eighty two pounds for each Lasting Power of Attorney. This means that arranging both types requires one hundred and sixty four pounds in registration fees. There are circumstances where the fee can be reduced or waived, usually for those on low income or certain benefits. The government has also announced that from November 2025, the fee will increase to ninety two pounds per Lasting Power of Attorney.

Typical Solicitor Fees

Solicitor fees cover the legal work of drafting, advising and preparing the paperwork, as well as witnessing and liaising with the Office of the Public Guardian. For a single Lasting Power of Attorney, many firms charge around one hundred and seventy five pounds plus VAT. If you want both types, firms often offer packages that range from three hundred and fifty pounds upwards. For more detailed or involved cases, fees can range between four hundred and eight hundred pounds. Some firms, particularly larger or specialist practices, may charge up to one thousand two hundred pounds or more where complexity demands extra work. For a General Power of Attorney, which is not lasting, typical fees are around two hundred pounds plus VAT. In some cases, firms also charge separately for initial consultations or home visits if the client cannot attend the office.

What Drives Costs Up or Down

Several factors explain why solicitor fees vary. If your financial affairs are straightforward, with a single property and simple instructions, the fee will be lower. When multiple properties, trusts or overseas assets are involved, the solicitor must spend more time drafting documents, which increases cost. The number of attorneys or replacement attorneys named can also add complexity. Location is another factor, as firms in London and major cities generally charge more than those in smaller towns. Additional services such as checking existing wills or including bespoke clauses can add to the overall bill. If you require home visits or need documents processed urgently, most solicitors apply surcharges.

Examples of Common Scenarios

To illustrate, a straightforward single Lasting Power of Attorney for property and financial affairs with no complex instructions might cost around one hundred and seventy-five pounds plus VAT, in addition to the government registration fee. A client arranging both types of Lasting Power of Attorney with moderate complexity could expect to pay between three hundred and fifty and six hundred pounds plus VAT, as well as the registration fees. In more complicated cases involving multiple properties or special conditions, fees can exceed eight hundred pounds, and when using premium city firms, the bill can reach or surpass one thousand pounds per document.

What Clients Should Clarify with Solicitors

When seeking a quote, clients should always clarify whether the fee is all inclusive. Some firms may charge separately for drafting, advice, witnessing, or liaising with the Office of the Public Guardian. It is also important to confirm whether VAT is included in the quote. If home visits are required, check whether this is covered or charged separately. Clients should ask whether discounts are offered for arranging both types of Lasting Power of Attorney together, as many firms provide package rates. It is also useful to ask how long the process will take and whether the solicitor will handle all parts of the registration process.

Conclusion

Solicitors in the UK typically charge between one hundred and seventy-five and eight hundred pounds for preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney, with costs rising for complex cases or premium firms. On top of solicitor fees, government registration costs must also be paid. Factors such as complexity, location and additional services will influence the final bill. By asking the right questions and comparing quotes, clients can ensure they understand what they are paying for and avoid unexpected charges.