Power of Attorney (LPA) OPG Registration Fee Calculator UK 2026/27

Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most vital legal precautions an adult in the UK can take. An LPA is a legal document enabling you (the ‘Donor’) to appoint trusted family members or friends (the ‘Attorneys’) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity in the future due to dementia, stroke, or severe illness.

To make an LPA legally enforceable, it MUST be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), incurring a statutory registration fee of £82.00 per LPA document.

⚙️ Statutory UK LPA Rules & Fee Remissions for 2026/27

1. The Two Types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

• Property & Financial Affairs LPA: Authorizes attorneys to manage bank accounts, pay bills, collect pensions, buy/sell property, and handle investments. Can be used while you still have capacity (with your permission).
• Health & Welfare LPA: Authorizes attorneys to make decisions regarding your daily care, medical treatment, care home selection, and life-sustaining treatment. Can ONLY be used if you lose mental capacity.
• Most individuals make BOTH LPAs: Making both LPAs for a single donor requires paying 2 OPG registration fees (£82 × 2 = £164.00 total). A couple making both LPAs requires 4 documents (£82 × 4 = £328.00 total).

2. OPG Statutory Fee Remissions & Exemptions

If the Donor has low income or receives government benefits, the OPG grants statutory fee discounts:

• 50% Fee Remission (£41.00 per LPA): Qualifies if the Donor’s gross annual income before tax is under £12,000.00 per year.
• 100% Fee Exemption (£0.00 per LPA): Qualifies if the Donor receives qualifying means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Income Support, Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit.

3. DIY Online OPG Portal vs Solicitor Preparation Fees

• DIY Online OPG Portal: You can complete LPA forms yourself using the official GOV.UK online service for £0 legal fees (paying only the £82 OPG court registration fee per document).
• Solicitor Preparation: A solicitor charges £350 to £500 to draft both LPAs for a single person (or £650 to £900 for a couple), acting as the official Certificate Provider to verify mental capacity.

📊 Practical LPA Registration Worked Examples

Below are two worked calculation examples illustrating LPA registration fees:

📑 Common Pitfalls & LPA Warnings

1. Waiting Until Capacity is Lost (Court of Protection Deputyship): Once a person loses mental capacity due to advanced dementia or stroke, it is TOO LATE to make an LPA. Relatives must instead apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order, which costs £371 court fee + £500+ annual supervision fees + £1,500+ legal costs and takes 6 to 12 months.
2. Choosing Ineligible Certificate Providers: An LPA requires a ‘Certificate Provider’ to sign confirming the donor understands the document and is not under undue pressure. A certificate provider CANNOT be a named attorney, family member, or business partner.
3. Failing to Register the LPA Immediately: An unregistered LPA cannot be used by attorneys. Registering LPAs with the OPG immediately after signing takes 12 to 16 weeks, ensuring the document is ready for instant use when needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)