Fixed-Fee Lasting Powers of Attorney on the Blackpool and Fylde Coast

The two types of LPA

There are two types of LPA, and most people benefit from having both in place. A Property and Financial Affairs LPA lets your attorneys manage your money, pay your bills, and deal with your property if you cannot do so yourself. A Health and Welfare LPA lets your attorneys make decisions about your medical care, where you live, and end-of-life wishes. The two documents can be tailored so your attorneys act only when needed, and they can include specific guidance from you about how you would like decisions to be made.

Why put an LPA in place?

Without an LPA, if you lose mental capacity your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as your deputy. That process is slow, expensive and stressful at a time when your family is already coping with difficult circumstances. Having an LPA in place removes that uncertainty. Attorneys can step in quickly, decisions can be made without delay, and your family knows exactly what your wishes are because you have set them out yourself.

Who can be an attorney?

Your attorneys can be family members, friends, or professionals. Most people appoint their spouse or partner, adult children, or trusted siblings. You can appoint one attorney or several, and you can decide whether they must act together (jointly), separately (jointly and severally), or some combination. We will talk you through the options so you can choose the arrangement that best fits your family.

Our fees

Our fixed-fee LPA service pricing is:

• Single LPA: £325 + VAT
• Pair of LPAs (Property & Financial + Health & Welfare) for one person: £550 + VAT
• Couple’s set of four LPAs (both types, for two people): £950 + VAT

VAT is charged at the prevailing rate (currently 20%). We will confirm the exact disbursements with you before proceeding.

Office of the Public Guardian registration fee

Each LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used. As at the time of writing, the OPG registration fee is £82 per LPA, payable in addition to our legal fees. This fee is subject to change from time to time.

You can check the current OPG registration fees on the government website at https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney/register, and we will confirm the live figure with you at the point of instruction.

Reduced fees or exemptions from the OPG registration fee are available in some circumstances, such as where the donor is on means-tested benefits or on a low income. We will let you know if we think you may qualify and help you complete the necessary paperwork.

How long does it take?

Most LPAs are drafted and ready for signing within one to two weeks of your initial instruction. Once signed and witnessed, registration with the Office of the Public Guardian typically takes a further eight to twelve weeks, although this can sometimes be longer depending on OPG processing times. We will keep you updated throughout, but as registration timescales sit with the OPG rather than with us, we cannot guarantee the exact date your LPA will be ready to use.

What is not included

Our LPA retainer is limited to the preparation and registration of your LPAs. It does not cover tax or estate planning advice, disputes between family members or attorneys, or applications to the Court of Protection. If your situation calls for any of these, we will discuss it with you and provide a clear cost estimate before going ahead.

Important things to know

LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used. Your attorneys must act in your best interests at all times, so you should choose them carefully and consider whether they are willing and able to take on the responsibility. You can also revoke an LPA at any time, provided you still have capacity to do so.

Speak to our LPA team

• Arrange a consultation to talk through your options
• Get clear, fixed-fee pricing before you commit
• Plan ahead with confidence and peace of mind