Solicitor Fees for Power of Attorney UK

Find out how much solicitors charge for Powers of Attorney in the UK, including typical fees, government costs and factors that affect pricing.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. Here’s how much a solicitor charges for setting up a power of attorney.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. In the UK, there are two main types: a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for financial and property affairs, and an LPA for health and welfare. Many people choose to have both prepared at the same time for complete peace of mind.

Solicitors can help you draft, complete, and register these documents correctly with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The cost varies depending on the solicitor’s experience, your location, and whether you need one or both types of LPA.

Average Solicitor Fees for Power of Attorney

On average, solicitors in the UK charge between £250 and £500 for preparing and registering a single Lasting Power of Attorney. If you need both financial and health LPAs, the combined fee often ranges from £400 to £800.

This cost typically includes:

An initial consultation to discuss your situation and preferences
Drafting the Power of Attorney document
Guiding you through signing and witnessing procedures
Submitting the paperwork to the OPG for registration

In addition to the solicitor’s fee, you’ll need to pay the Office of the Public Guardian registration fee, which is currently £82 per document. For two LPAs, this adds £164 to the total cost. Some people qualify for a fee reduction or exemption based on income, benefits, or financial circumstances.

Factors That Affect the Cost

The total cost can vary depending on several factors:

1. Complexity of your affairs
If you have multiple properties, business interests, or overseas assets, drafting an accurate and compliant LPA may require additional time and expertise.

2. Number of attorneys
Appointing more than one attorney or including substitute attorneys increases the level of detail required in the document, which may affect the overall fee.

3. Location
Solicitors in major cities such as London may charge higher rates than those in smaller towns or rural areas due to higher operating costs.

4. Type of Power of Attorney
Some clients only need a financial LPA, while others want both financial and health versions. Solicitors often offer discounted rates when both are prepared at once.

Why Use a Solicitor for Power of Attorney

While you can complete a Power of Attorney yourself online or using paper forms, many people prefer to use a solicitor to avoid mistakes. Errors in the paperwork can cause delays, rejection from the OPG, or even invalidate the document.

Solicitors ensure the form is completed accurately, all signatures are correctly witnessed, and your choices are legally sound. They also help clarify issues such as when the Power of Attorney comes into effect, how your attorneys must act, and how to include instructions or preferences safely.

Having a solicitor also provides reassurance that the document truly reflects your wishes and that you understand its implications fully, reducing the risk of disputes or confusion later.

Cost of Doing It Yourself

If you choose to prepare the LPA yourself, you’ll only pay the OPG registration fee of £82 per document. However, you take full responsibility for ensuring the forms are correct and legally valid.

For straightforward cases, this may be fine, but for more complex situations—such as appointing multiple attorneys, adding restrictions, or dealing with property abroad—professional advice is strongly recommended.

Additional Services That May Affect Cost

Some solicitors offer extra services related to Power of Attorney setup, including:

Home visits for clients with mobility issues
Storage of original documents
Reviewing or updating existing LPAs
Providing certified copies for banks and care providers

Each of these may add a small additional charge, but they ensure your Power of Attorney is properly managed and accessible when needed.

How Long the Process Takes

Once your solicitor has prepared the document and all parties have signed it, registration with the Office of the Public Guardian typically takes around 8 to 10 weeks. Delays can occur if there are errors or if the OPG is dealing with a high volume of applications.

Your solicitor will usually handle the process on your behalf and keep you updated, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Comparing Quotes and Choosing a Solicitor

Before appointing a solicitor, it’s worth getting a few quotes to understand the range of fees in your area. When comparing, check what’s included in the price—some firms quote only for drafting, while others include the OPG fee and registration process.

Choose a solicitor who explains costs clearly and offers transparent pricing with no hidden extras. A good solicitor will also take the time to answer your questions and ensure you’re fully comfortable with your decision.

The Value of Professional Help

Although using a solicitor for a Power of Attorney is more expensive than doing it yourself, the benefits often outweigh the cost. You gain peace of mind knowing the document has been correctly prepared, reducing the risk of legal or administrative issues later on.

A solicitor can also advise on wider estate planning options such as wills, trusts, and inheritance tax, ensuring your affairs are structured effectively for the future.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a solicitor preparing a Power of Attorney typically ranges from £250 to £500 for one document or £400 to £800 for both types, plus the OPG registration fee. While this represents an additional expense, the professional guidance and accuracy you receive can save significant stress and time later.

For many people, working with a solicitor offers reassurance that their wishes will be carried out properly and their loved ones will be protected if they’re no longer able to make decisions themselves.