How Much Does a Solicitor Charge for Power of Attorney?

Setting up a Power of Attorney is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones if something unexpected happens. Whether you experience an illness, an accident, or you’re simply growing older, there may come a time when you need someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf.

Although it’s possible to arrange a Power of Attorney yourself, many people prefer to have specialist Power of Attorney solicitors handle it to make sure everything is done properly and legally. In this guide, we’ll explain what’s involved, how much a solicitor usually charges — and if you need probate too, our guide on how much do solicitors charge for probate covers that separately and offer the opportunity to request three quotes from Power of Attorney solicitors that offer a fully online service.

How Does the Online Power of Attorney Service Work?

You will receive face to face advice and guidance from a fully qualified, experienced, SRA regulated Power of Attorney solicitor but rather than visiting an office, the advice will be delivered via a video call. Correspondence will be sent via email with final hard copies of the Power of Attorney sent by post. Everything you should expect from a Power of Attorney solicitor, delivered in the comfort of your own home.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal arrangement that lets someone you trust act on your behalf if you’re unable to do so yourself. This person is called your “attorney”, but they don’t need to be a solicitor or legal professional. They can be a friend, relative or anyone you choose.

There are several types of Power of Attorney, but the most commonly used in England and Wales is the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Introduced under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, an LPA is designed to continue even if you lose mental capacity. There are two kinds:

• Property and financial affairs LPA, which allows your attorney to manage things like your bank accounts, bills, home and pensions.
• Health and welfare LPA, which gives your attorney authority to make decisions about your care, medical treatment and living arrangements.

There are also Ordinary Powers of Attorney, which can be used to delegate financial decisions temporarily while you still have mental capacity. For example, if you’re abroad for an extended period. These end if you lose capacity.

Setting up an LPA gives you peace of mind that, if the worst happens, someone you trust will have the legal authority to step in and help manage your affairs.

What Does a Solicitor Do During the LPA Process?

A solicitor can provide valuable support when setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney. They’ll explain the different types available and help you decide which one best suits your situation. They also make sure the forms are filled out correctly and that your instructions are clear and legally sound, reducing the risk of delays or problems later.

If you want to include any specific wishes or restrictions, a solicitor can guide you on the right wording and ensure your chosen attorneys understand what’s expected of them. This is especially valuable if your situation is more complicated or if you want reassurance that everything is being handled properly.

How Much Does a Solicitor Charge for Power of Attorney?

Fees vary depending on the firm, your location, and how many LPAs you want to set up. However, here’s a general guide to what you can expect:

These fees usually include advice, form completion, and practical support throughout the process. In addition to the solicitor’s fee, there is a standard government registration fee of £82 per LPA, payable to the Office of the Public Guardian.

Via The Probate Network, you can request quotes from up to three different Powers of Attorney solicitors who offer a convenient online service. This means you can compare fee options, see what’s included, and choose the solicitor that best suits your needs, without any pressure to commit.

Request More Information

Complete this form to receive information and quotes from up to three Power of Attorney solicitors. Compare rates and ask questions – no obligation.

Why Is Setting Up a Power of Attorney Sometimes Complicated?

The LPA process involves multiple detailed forms and carries serious legal consequences, so getting it right is important. Mistakes on the forms (such as incorrect dates, unclear preferences, or contradictory instructions) can lead to delays or even rejection by the Office of the Public Guardian. The forms require at least nine signatures, and if they are not completed in the correct order, it can invalidate the forms entirely.

Many people want to include specific wishes in their LPA, but there’s an important legal difference between preferences and instructions and mixing them up can lead to issues later on. There can also be legal issues if you include conditions that don’t comply with the law. If you do make a mistake on your LPA forms, there is a specific way you are required to correct it, and getting this wrong (for example, by using correction fluid) will cause your LPA to get rejected during registration.

In more sensitive situations, such as when appointing attorneys in a blended family, or if you have concerns about your mental capacity now, the process becomes even more complex. This is where having a Power of Attorney solicitor involved can help ensure the LPA works as intended when it’s needed most.

Can I Set Up Power of Attorney Without a Solicitor?

Technically, you don’t need a solicitor to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney. However, many people find the DIY route more stressful than expected. The forms come with strict rules about how they’re completed and signed. Something as simple as signing in the wrong order can cause the entire application to be rejected.

Even if you decide you don’t need a solicitor’s help filling in the forms, you will still need someone to act as a ‘certificate provider’. This must be a professional such as a GP, solicitor, or someone who has known you personally for at least two years, which is why many people find it simpler to let a solicitor handle the whole process from the start.

In some cases, people don’t find out there’s a problem until the LPA is needed, which can cause serious delays in accessing bank accounts, managing care, or making medical decisions. Solicitors not only handle the paperwork but also provide tailored advice for your particular situation. They’ll ask the right questions to make sure your LPA reflects your wishes, and they’ll check for potential issues you might not have thought about.

Get Support Through the Probate Network

If you’re ready to put a Power of Attorney in place, The Probate Network can make it easy to find the right help. We work with a panel of trusted Power of Attorney solicitors who offer straightforward, fixed-fee services online. Using the form below you can request information from three different Power of Attorney solicitors who can provide quotes and answer any initial questions you may have.

Online Power of Attorney Solicitors. Request more Information

Complete this form to receive information and quotes from up to three Power of Attorney solicitors. Compare rates and ask questions – no obligation.