Why an LPA Is Cheaper Than the Court of Protection
The true cost comparison between planning ahead with an LPA and relying on the Court of Protection.
Written by Anthony Dalton · Reviewed by James Tyrrell · Last reviewed
An LPA costs £92 to register and has no ongoing fees. A Court of Protection deputyship application starts at over £2,000 and comes with annual charges that can run for decades. If someone loses mental capacity without an LPA in place, their family must go through the Court of Protection to gain legal authority — a process that is significantly more expensive, more time-consuming, and involves ongoing costs that can continue for years. This guide provides a detailed comparison.
At a glance
- An LPA costs £92 per document to register, with no ongoing fees — a deputyship application costs £2,000 to £4,000+ upfront
- Deputies pay an annual OPG supervision fee of up to £320, adding £3,200+ over 10 years
- Over a 10-year period, the total cost difference can exceed £8,000
- Deputyship applications take 4 to 6 months, while a registered LPA is ready to use immediately
The Cost of Creating an LPA
The government registration fee for an LPA is £92 per document. Since there are two types of LPA — Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare — creating both costs £184 in registration fees. If you qualify for a fee reduction or exemption (for example, if you receive certain means-tested benefits or have an income below £12,000 per year), the fee may be reduced or waived entirely.
If you use a professional service to help create your LPA, there will be additional costs. Solicitors typically charge between £300 and £600 per LPA, while UKLPA charges just £89 per LPA. Even at the top end, the total cost of creating both LPAs with professional help is unlikely to exceed £1,000 to £1,200.
Crucially, once an LPA is registered, there are no ongoing fees. The LPA remains valid indefinitely (until it is revoked or the donor dies), and there is no supervision fee, annual charge, or renewal cost. For more detail on LPA costs, see our guide on how much an LPA costs.
The Cost of Applying to the Court of Protection
If someone loses mental capacity without an LPA, their family must apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order. The costs involved are substantially higher:
- Court application fee: £371
- Solicitor fees: Typically £1,000 to £3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case
- Assessment and medical evidence: A capacity assessment may be required, which can cost £300 to £800
- Security bond: Deputies managing financial affairs are usually required to take out a security bond (a form of insurance), which costs around £100 to £300 per year depending on the value of the person's assets
The total upfront cost of obtaining a deputyship order is typically £2,000 to £4,000 or more. In contested cases — where family members disagree about who should be appointed as deputy, or whether a deputyship is appropriate — costs can rise dramatically, sometimes reaching £10,000 to £20,000 or even higher. For more information on the Court of Protection, see our guide on what the Court of Protection is.
Key point: An LPA costs £92 to register with no ongoing fees. A deputyship application costs £371 in court fees alone, plus £1,000–£3,000+ in solicitor fees, plus ongoing annual supervision charges.
Ongoing Costs: LPA vs Deputyship
One of the most significant differences between an LPA and a deputyship is the ongoing costs. Once an LPA is registered, there are no further fees to pay. The attorneys can use the LPA for as long as it is needed without any additional charges from the OPG.
Deputyship, by contrast, comes with annual supervision fees payable to the OPG. The current supervision fee structure is:
- General supervision: £320 per year
- Minimal supervision: £35 per year (for simpler cases)
Most deputies managing property and financial affairs are placed under general supervision, meaning they pay £320 every year for as long as the deputyship continues. Over a period of 10 years, this adds up to £3,200 in supervision fees alone — on top of the initial application costs.
Deputies must also complete annual reports to the OPG, accounting for all financial decisions made on behalf of the person they are responsible for. If a professional (such as a solicitor or accountant) is appointed as deputy, their ongoing professional fees can be substantial, potentially running into thousands of pounds per year.
Total Cost Comparison Over Time
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of the approximate total costs over a 10-year period:
LPA (Both Types)
OPG registration fee: £184 (two LPAs at £92 each)
Professional help (optional): £200–£1,200
Ongoing fees: £0
Total over 10 years: £184–£1364
Deputyship (Property and Financial Affairs)
Court application fee: £371
Solicitor fees: £1,000–£3,000+
Security bond (10 years): £1,000–£3,000
Supervision fees (10 years at £320): £3,200
Total over 10 years: £5,571–£9,571+
The difference is stark. An LPA costs a fraction of what deputyship requires, and the savings only grow over time due to the ongoing supervision fees that deputies must pay. For a detailed comparison of the two routes, see our guide on deputyship vs LPA.
Beyond the Financial Cost
The financial comparison alone makes a compelling case for creating an LPA. But there are also significant non-financial costs to consider:
- Time: A deputyship application can take 4 to 6 months or longer, during which time nobody may have legal authority to manage the person's affairs. An LPA, once registered, is ready to use immediately
- Stress: The Court of Protection process is complex and can be emotionally draining, particularly during an already difficult time
- Choice: With an LPA, you choose who manages your affairs. With a deputyship, the court decides, and it may not be the person you would have chosen
- Ongoing reporting: Deputies face annual reporting obligations and OPG oversight. Attorneys acting under an LPA have more freedom (though they must still act in the donor's best interests)
The Clear Financial Case for an LPA
Creating an LPA is one of the most cost-effective legal steps you can take. For £92 per document (or £184 for both types), you put in place a legal framework that protects you and your family from the far greater expense and stress of the Court of Protection. The earlier you create your LPA, the more value it provides — and the more you protect your family from unnecessary costs during what will already be a challenging time.
LPA Preparation Costs: Your Options
| Method | Cost per LPA | Both LPAs |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitor | £300 – £1,000+ | £500 – £1,500+ |
| Other online services | £100 – £250 | £180 – £450 |
| UKLPA | £89 | £149 (save £29) |
| All options require the £92 per LPA government registration fee on top. | ||
Total Cost Examples
Single LPA with UKLPA.co.uk
Our fee: £89
Government fee: £92
Total: £181
Both LPAs with UKLPA.co.uk
Our fee: £149
Government fee: £184
Total: £333
For a full breakdown of what you'll pay, see our LPA pricing page, or learn how our guided service works.
Key Takeaways
- LPA registration is a one-off cost — £92 per LPA with no annual fees, compared to £320 per year in deputyship supervision alone
- Deputyship costs escalate over time — court fees, solicitor costs, security bonds, and annual supervision can total £5,500 to £9,500+ over 10 years
- The Court of Protection decides, not you — without an LPA, the court chooses who manages your affairs, and they may not pick the person you would have chosen
- Deputies face ongoing oversight — annual reports to the OPG are mandatory, creating an administrative burden that LPA attorneys do not face
- Acting early saves the most — creating an LPA while you have capacity is the most cost-effective legal step you can take to protect your family
People Often Ask
How much does an LPA cost to register with the OPG?
The government registration fee is £92 per LPA. If you create both types of LPA (Property and Financial Affairs plus Health and Welfare), the total registration cost is £184. There are no ongoing fees after registration.
What are the ongoing costs of a Court of Protection deputyship?
Deputies must pay an annual OPG supervision fee of up to £320, plus a security bond premium of around £100 to £300 per year. Over 10 years, supervision fees alone add up to £3,200 on top of the initial application costs.
Is the registration fee refunded if my LPA is rejected?
If the OPG finds an error that makes the LPA void, they may refund the registration fee, but this is not guaranteed. It is always best to ensure the LPA is completed correctly first time to avoid additional costs and delays.
This guide was last reviewed and updated on . Information is based on current legislation and OPG guidance for England and Wales.
Official Guidance
Relevant government resources
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