When you are unable to manage your legal, financial, or health-related matters due to illness, injury, or absence, you may need to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf is when a Power of Attorney (PoA) becomes essential. But one of the most frequently asked questions people have when considering a PoA is: How much does a solicitor charge for Power of Attorney?
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide all the details you need to understand the costs involved with solicitors when setting up a Power of Attorney. From pricing structures to services included, we’ll break it all down for you.
What is a Power of Attorney?
Before understanding the costs, it’s important to know what a Power of Attorney (PoA) is. This legal document allows you to appoint someone (called an attorney) to make decisions on your behalf, either for your property, financial matters, or personal care, should you become unable to do so.
There are different types of PoA:
- General Power of Attorney (GPA): Typically used for financial and legal matters.
- A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): Enables someone to act on your behalf, either managing your financial and property affairs or making decisions about your health and personal care. This is the most common type.
- Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA): An older form of PoA, which is now only valid for people who set it up before October 2007.
How Much Does a Solicitor Charge for Power of Attorney?
The fees for hiring a solicitor to draft a Power of Attorney can differ widely based on factors like the type of PoA and the complexity of your requirements, and the solicitor’s location.
Typically, solicitors’ fees range from £150 to £500 for each document. It’s important to note that this can be per document, meaning if you need both a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs and a Lasting the expense for a Power of Attorney regarding Health and Welfare may potentially increase twofold.
Elements That Affect Solicitor Charges for Power of Attorney Services:
- Type of Power of Attorney: Drafting a simple General PoA might be less expensive than preparing a more complex Lasting Power of Attorney.
- Complexity of Your Situation: If your circumstances are more complex (e.g., managing significant assets or care decisions), the solicitor might charge more for tailored advice.
- Location of the Solicitor: The cost of legal services may vary depending on the solicitor’s location. Solicitors in big cities like London typically charge higher fees than those in smaller towns.
- Additional Services: Some solicitors include extra services, such as registering your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian or advising on ongoing management, which could increase the cost.
What Do Solicitors Provide for the Cost?
When you hire a solicitor for Power of Attorney services, you’re paying not just for the document creation, but for a range of additional services that ensure your PoA is legally valid and tailored to your needs.
Services Included in Solicitor Fees:
- Legal Consultation and Advice: A solicitor will explain the different types of PoA, help you decide which one fits your needs, and guide you through the decision-making process.
- Document Drafting: Solicitors will ensure that the Power of Attorney is legally sound and customized according to your specifications.
- Witnessing and Notarization: To make the PoA official, it must be signed and witnessed. Lawyers manage these procedures to guarantee the document’s legality.
- Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian (for LPAs): To establish an LPA, you must register it with the Office of the Public Guardian. Some solicitors include this as part of their service, while others charge an additional fee.
Is Hiring a Solicitor Worth the Extra Cost?
It’s possible to create a Power of Attorney without professional assistance, but is it advisable? Here’s an analysis to help you decide.
Advantages of Hiring a Solicitor:
- Expert Legal Guidance: Solicitors provide expert advice tailored to your personal and financial situation, ensuring your PoA is set up correctly.
- Legal Compliance: The solicitor will ensure that your Power of Attorney is valid, avoiding potential future issues.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that the document has been professionally created and all legal requirements have been met gives you peace of mind.
- Handling Complex Situations: If your affairs are complicated (e.g., if you have multiple properties, significant investments, or complex health needs), a solicitor can ensure everything is accounted for.
Disadvantages of Hiring a Solicitor:
- Higher Cost: Solicitors’ fees can be expensive, particularly in large cities.
- Time and Effort: While you will receive expert help, the process can take time, especially if you require multiple consultations or services like registration.
Power of Attorney Costs in Different Regions: A Comparison
Here’s a quick overview of typical solicitor fees for Power of Attorney across different regions:
| Region | Typical Solicitor Fee | Additional Costs (e.g., Registration) |
| London | £250 – £500 per document | £82 for registration (LPA) |
| Manchester | £200 – £400 per document | £82 for registration (LPA) |
| Bristol | £150 – £350 per document | £82 for registration (LPA) |
| Cardiff | £150 – £300 per document | £82 for registration (LPA) |
| Leeds | £150 – £300 per document | £82 for registration (LPA) |
Final Thoughts: Is Paying for a Solicitor Worth It?
In conclusion, the cost of a solicitor for setting up a Power of Attorney generally ranges from £150 to £500 per document, with some firms offering discounts for bundling services. While it’s possible to create a Power of Attorney without a solicitor, the expertise, tailored advice, and legal security a solicitor provides often outweigh the cost. If you have a straightforward situation, DIY options may be sufficient, but if you have complex financial or personal matters, seeking professional legal help can be invaluable.
FAQs About Solicitor Charges for Power of Attorney
Can I create a Power of Attorney without a solicitor?
Yes, you can create a Power of Attorney on your own, using the official forms provided by the Office of the Public Guardian. However, if you’re unsure about the process or have a complex situation, it’s often better to hire a solicitor for peace of mind.
Are there any additional costs after the solicitor’s fees?
Yes, if you’re setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney, there is a fee of £82 per document to register it with the Office of the Public Guardian. Solicitors may handle this registration for you, but they might charge an additional fee for this service.
Can the solicitor help with managing the Power of Attorney once it’s set up?
Some solicitors offer ongoing services, including management and advice about the PoA’s execution, though this often comes at an additional cost. You’ll need to discuss this when hiring a solicitor to understand what’s included.
