How Much Does Deputyship Cost?
Applying for deputyship is expensive upfront — and the costs continue every year. Here is a clear breakdown of what families can expect to pay.
Written by James Tyrrell · Reviewed by Anthony Dalton · Last reviewed
Most people who have never encountered deputyship before are surprised by how much it costs. Unlike a Lasting Power of Attorney — which has a one-off government registration fee of £92 — deputyship involves a court application fee, professional fees, and a series of ongoing annual costs that can run for many years. This guide breaks down every element of the expense so you can understand the full picture. It covers England and Wales only.
At a glance
- A deputyship application typically costs £2,000–£5,000 upfront, including the £371 court fee, solicitor fees, and a COP3 capacity assessment
- Annual ongoing costs include £320 OPG supervision, £100–£500 security bond, and potentially £500–£1,500 for report preparation
- Over ten years, deputyship can cost £10,000–£25,000 or more — compared with £92 once for an LPA
- Most deputyship costs are paid from the estate of the person who has lost capacity
The Court Application Fee: £371
Every deputyship application requires a fee paid to the Court of Protection. As of 2026, this fee is £371. This is paid when you submit the application forms and is non-refundable even if the application is later withdrawn or refused.
A fee remission scheme exists for people on low incomes or receiving certain means-tested benefits. If you qualify, the court fee can be reduced or waived entirely. However, fee remission applies only to the court fee — it does not cover solicitor costs, the capacity assessment, or any of the ongoing annual expenses.
Solicitor Fees: £1,500 to £3,500 for the Application
The deputyship application forms are lengthy and legally complex. Many families choose to instruct a solicitor to help prepare and submit the paperwork. This reduces the risk of errors that could delay the application or result in it being rejected.
Solicitor fees for preparing a deputyship application typically range from £1,500 to £3,500, depending on the complexity of the case and the size of the estate. Cases involving disputed family situations, significant assets, or property can cost considerably more.
In most cases, these fees are paid from the estate of the person who has lost capacity, subject to the court’s approval. You are not usually required to fund this personally, though you may need to advance the money initially.
Capacity Assessment (COP3): £100 to £300+
Before submitting a deputyship application, you need a completed COP3 form — an assessment confirming that the person lacks mental capacity for the relevant decisions. This must be carried out by a suitably qualified professional.
- GP assessment — typically £100 to £200, though some GPs charge more for private medical reports
- Specialist assessment — a consultant psychiatrist or neurologist may charge £300 to £600 or more, particularly if a formal assessment is needed
Some care homes and hospitals can facilitate the assessment, but it is rarely free. The cost is usually paid from the person’s estate.
OPG Supervision Fees: Annual Ongoing Cost
Once a deputy is appointed, the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) supervises their conduct. Deputies pay an annual supervision fee based on the level of oversight required:
- General supervision — £320 per year. This is the standard level for most property and financial affairs deputies. It includes an initial supervision period and ongoing monitoring, with regular check-ins and the possibility of visits
- Minimal supervision — £35 per year. Applies where the OPG is satisfied the deputy requires less oversight, typically after the first year if there have been no concerns and the estate is straightforward
- Public authority deputies — £0. Local authority deputies are not charged a supervision fee
For most private individuals acting as property deputies, the general supervision fee of £320 applies for the first year at minimum. After that, it may drop to £35 if the OPG is satisfied with your record-keeping and conduct.
The Security Bond: £100 to £500 Per Year
The court requires most property and financial affairs deputies to take out a security bond before they begin acting. This is a form of insurance that protects the person’s estate against mismanagement or financial loss caused by the deputy. If the deputy misuses funds, the bond provides a means of recovery.
The annual premium for a security bond depends on the value of the estate:
- Smaller estates (under £50,000) — typically £100 to £150 per year
- Mid-range estates (£50,000 to £250,000) — typically £150 to £300 per year
- Larger estates (over £250,000) — typically £300 to £500 per year or more
The bond premium is usually paid from the person’s estate and must be renewed each year. Failure to maintain the bond can result in the deputy being in breach of their court order.
Annual Report Preparation: £500 to £1,500 Per Year
Every property and financial affairs deputy must submit an annual report to the OPG. This document covers all financial transactions made during the year: income received, payments made, investments held, and the current value of the estate. It must be accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
Some deputies are able to prepare the annual report themselves, particularly if the finances are simple. Many, however, use their solicitor or accountant to prepare it, which typically costs £500 to £1,500 per year depending on complexity. For estates involving investment portfolios, rental properties, or complex income sources, costs can be higher.
Total Cost Comparison: Deputyship vs LPA
Adding up all the elements reveals just how significant the financial difference is between deputyship and an LPA:
Lasting Power of Attorney
- Registration fee: £92
- Annual supervision: £0
- Security bond: £0
- Annual report: £0
- First-year total: £92
- 10-year total: £92
Deputyship (Typical)
- Court fee + solicitor + COP3: ~£3,000
- Annual supervision: £320+
- Security bond: £100–£500
- Annual report (solicitor): £500–£1,500
- First-year total: £4,000–£6,000+
- 10-year total: £10,000–£25,000+
Key point: The first-year cost of deputyship can easily reach £3,000 to £6,000. An LPA costs £92 once, with no ongoing fees. The financial case for creating an LPA before it is needed is overwhelming. See our guide on why an LPA is cheaper than the Court of Protection.
Who Pays for Deputyship?
In most cases, deputyship costs are paid from the estate of the person who has lost capacity. This means that costs come from their savings, pension, or other assets — not from the deputy’s own pocket. However, you may need to advance some money initially before the deputyship order is in place and you have access to the estate.
Where the estate is very small, the costs of deputyship can consume a significant proportion of the person’s assets. In some cases, the local authority may become involved if the person is eligible for funded care, which can reduce the burden on the family.
The ongoing nature of deputyship costs is one of the most important things to understand. Unlike an LPA, which is a one-time expense, deputyship requires annual payments for as long as the person remains alive and lacking capacity. For many people, this can mean years or even decades of ongoing fees.
The Hidden Costs: Time and Stress
Financial costs aside, deputyship carries significant non-financial costs that families often do not anticipate. The application process typically takes 6 to 12 months, during which the family may have no access to funds. Completing the forms, gathering evidence, notifying family members, and chasing the court all take time — time that many carers simply do not have.
Once appointed, the ongoing record-keeping, annual report preparation, and supervision obligations add a further administrative burden. For family members already providing care, this can feel overwhelming.
All of this can be avoided by making a Property & Financial Affairs LPA while you still have mental capacity. The full comparison between deputyship and an LPA makes the case clearly: in virtually every situation, planning ahead saves time, money, and heartache.
For a full breakdown of what you'll pay, see our LPA pricing page, or learn how our guided service works.
Key Takeaways
- First-year costs alone can reach £3,000–£6,000 — the £371 court fee is just the beginning once solicitor fees, the COP3 assessment, and the security bond are added
- Annual costs continue indefinitely — OPG supervision (£320), security bond premiums, and annual report preparation fees recur every year the person lacks capacity
- An LPA is a fraction of the cost — at £92 per document with zero ongoing fees, the financial case for planning ahead is overwhelming
- Time and stress are hidden costs — the application process takes 6–12 months, during which the family may have no access to funds for care
- Fee remission covers the court fee only — low-income applicants can reduce or waive the £371 court fee, but solicitor and supervision costs remain
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to apply for deputyship?
The court application fee alone is £371. On top of that, most families use a solicitor to prepare the forms, which typically costs £1,500 to £3,500. You will also need to pay for the COP3 capacity assessment, usually £100 to £300. In total, the upfront cost of a deputyship application commonly reaches £2,000 to £5,000 or more.
Are there annual fees for a deputy?
Yes. Most deputies pay the OPG general supervision fee of £320 per year. On top of that, many pay for a security bond (£100 to £500 per year depending on the estate) and may need help preparing the annual financial report (£500 to £1,500 per year if using a solicitor). Annual costs of £400 to £2,000 or more are typical.
Can I get help with deputyship costs?
You can apply for fee remission on the court application fee if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits. However, this only covers the court fee, not solicitor costs or OPG supervision fees. In most cases, deputyship costs are paid from the estate of the person who has lost capacity.
Is deputyship cheaper than an LPA?
No. An LPA costs £92 to register with no ongoing fees. Deputyship typically costs £2,000 to £5,000 upfront and £400 to £2,000 every year after that. Over a decade, deputyship can cost more than 50 times what an LPA would have cost, not including the time and stress involved.
This guide was last reviewed and updated on . Information is based on current legislation and OPG guidance for England and Wales.
Official Guidance
Official resources from GOV.UK
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