Why Some Solicitors Charge £500+ for an LPA
Understanding what drives solicitor fees and whether you really need to spend that much on a Lasting Power of Attorney.
Written by James Tyrrell · Reviewed by Anthony Dalton · Last reviewed
If you have looked into creating a Lasting Power of Attorney, you may have been surprised by how much some solicitors charge. Fees of £500, £700, or even £1,000 per LPA are not uncommon. But what exactly are you paying for, and is it worth it? This guide breaks down what goes into a solicitor's LPA fee and explores whether cheaper alternatives might work for you.
At a glance
- Solicitors typically charge £500 to £1,000+ per LPA, driven by hourly rates of £150–£350, office overheads, and VAT
- The government registration fee is always £92, regardless of how you create the LPA
- You do not need a solicitor — online services like UKLPA offer the same legally valid LPA from £89 plus the registration fee
- A solicitor may be worth the cost for complex estates, business ownership, or situations where capacity might be challenged
What Is Included in a Solicitor's LPA Fee?
When a solicitor prepares an LPA, their fee typically covers a range of services beyond simply filling in the form. Here is what you are usually paying for:
- Initial consultation — A face-to-face or telephone meeting to discuss your circumstances, wishes, and the type of LPA you need. This often lasts 30–60 minutes.
- Legal advice — Guidance on choosing attorneys, deciding whether they should act jointly or jointly and severally, setting restrictions and conditions, and handling complex family situations.
- Document preparation — Drafting the LPA forms with accurate legal language, ensuring all details are correct and compliant with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Acting as certificate provider — Many solicitors will act as the certificate provider, confirming that the donor understands the LPA and is not being pressured.
- Witnessing signatures — Arranging and overseeing the signing process to ensure everything is done in the correct legal order.
- Registration with the OPG — Submitting the completed LPA to the Office of the Public Guardian and handling any correspondence or queries during the registration period.
- Storage — Some firms offer to store the original registered LPA documents securely.
What Drives Solicitor LPA Fees So High?
Solicitor fees for LPAs are driven by several factors. The first is hourly rates. Most solicitors charge between £150 and £350 per hour, depending on their location and seniority. An LPA that takes two to three hours of a solicitor's time can quickly reach £500 or more, even before the £92 government registration fee is added.
Overheads also play a significant role. High street solicitors have office rent, support staff, professional indemnity insurance, practising certificates, and regulatory compliance costs. All of these are reflected in their fees.
Location matters too. Solicitors in London and the South East tend to charge more than those in other parts of the country. A firm in central London might charge £1,000 or more per LPA, while a small town practice might charge £350–£500.
Finally, some solicitors use LPA work as a loss leader for broader estate planning services, while others treat it as a profitable standalone service. The pricing strategy varies significantly between firms.
Key point: The £92 government registration fee is always the same, regardless of whether you use a solicitor or not. The difference in cost comes entirely from the preparation and advice element.
Factors That Increase the Cost
Several factors can push a solicitor's LPA fee higher than average:
- Complex family situations — Blended families, estranged relatives, or potential disputes among family members may require more detailed advice and careful drafting.
- Business ownership — If the donor owns a business, additional provisions may be needed in the Property and Financial Affairs LPA.
- Multiple properties or investments — Complex financial affairs can require more tailored instructions and restrictions.
- Both types of LPA — Creating both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA doubles the work and, often, the fee.
- Home visits — If the donor is elderly or has mobility issues, a home visit will typically add £100–£200 to the total.
- VAT — All solicitor fees are subject to 20% VAT, which can add a significant amount to the quoted price.
Cheaper Ways to Create a Valid LPA
The good news is that you do not have to use a solicitor to create a valid LPA. There are several alternatives that can save you a significant amount:
Online LPA Services
Professional online services like UKLPA guide you through the LPA creation process step by step. UKLPA charges just £89 per LPA on top of the £92 registration fee, bringing the total to £181 — a fraction of typical solicitor costs. This includes document checking, guidance on your choices, and support throughout the process. To see how this compares, read our guide on how much an LPA costs.
DIY Using the Government Tool
The OPG's basic online tool allows you to create an LPA yourself. You only pay the £92 registration fee. However, you receive no legal advice, no document checking, and must handle all the details yourself, including finding your own certificate provider. For more on this approach, see our guide on making an LPA without a solicitor.
When Is a Solicitor Worth the Cost?
Despite the higher cost, there are situations where using a solicitor is genuinely worthwhile:
- Complex estates — If you have significant assets, business interests, or properties abroad, a solicitor can help you draft appropriate instructions and restrictions.
- Family disputes — If there is any risk of disagreement or challenge, having a solicitor involved adds an extra layer of legal protection and evidence that the donor had capacity.
- Capacity concerns — If the donor's mental capacity could be questioned, a solicitor's assessment and involvement provides valuable evidence that the LPA was made validly.
- Bundled estate planning — If you are also making a will, setting up trusts, or doing other estate planning, a solicitor can handle everything together, often at a reduced combined rate.
For most people with straightforward circumstances, an online LPA service provides excellent value. You get professional guidance and document checking at a fraction of the cost. Our guide on whether you need a solicitor for an LPA covers this in more detail.
Tips for Reducing Solicitor Costs
If you do decide to use a solicitor, here are some ways to keep costs down:
- Get multiple quotes — Prices vary enormously between firms. Always get at least three quotes before committing.
- Ask for a fixed fee — Many solicitors offer fixed-fee LPA packages. This gives you certainty about the total cost and avoids surprises from hourly billing.
- Bundle both LPAs — If you are making both types of LPA, ask for a discount for doing both together. Many firms reduce their per-LPA fee when you create a pair.
- Prepare in advance — Have your attorney choices, preferences, and personal details ready before your consultation. The less time the solicitor spends gathering basic information, the lower your bill.
- Check for special offers — Some solicitors run promotions during Free Wills Month or LPA awareness campaigns, offering reduced rates.
For a full breakdown of what you'll pay, see our LPA pricing page, or learn how our guided service works.
Key Takeaways
- Solicitor fees reflect overheads, not complexity — hourly rates, office rent, insurance, and VAT drive the high cost, not the difficulty of the LPA itself
- The £92 registration fee is the same for everyone — whether you use a solicitor, an online service, or the government tool, the OPG fee does not change
- An LPA created online is just as legally valid — the OPG does not distinguish between solicitor-prepared LPAs and those made through other methods
- Most people do not need a solicitor — unless you have complex business interests, potential family disputes, or capacity concerns, an online service provides excellent value
- Always get multiple quotes — solicitor fees vary enormously between firms and regions, so compare at least three before committing
Quick Answers on Solicitor LPA Fees
Do I have to use a solicitor to make an LPA?
No. You can create a valid LPA without a solicitor by using the government's online tool or a professional online service like UKLPA. A solicitor is only necessary if you have complex circumstances such as significant business interests or potential family disputes.
Why do solicitor fees vary so much for LPAs?
Fees vary due to differences in hourly rates, location, overhead costs, and the level of service included. A London firm may charge over £1,000, while a small town practice might charge £350 to £500. The government registration fee of £92 is always the same.
Is a solicitor-prepared LPA more legally valid than one done online?
No. An LPA created through any method has exactly the same legal validity, provided it meets the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The OPG does not distinguish between LPAs prepared by solicitors and those prepared through other means.
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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