Lasting Powers of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are important legal documents that allow you to appoint people you trust (your Attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf if you are ever unable to do so yourself.

Putting LPAs in place ensures that your affairs can be managed smoothly and lawfully should circumstances change due to illness, accident, or loss of mental capacity. Without these documents, family members can face significant difficulty, delay, and expense when trying to deal with financial or personal matters.

At Whiting & Mason Solicitors, we provide clear and practical advice on LPAs, helping you plan ahead with confidence and peace of mind.

Types of LPAs

There are two distinct types of LPAs, each dealing with different aspects of decision making.

1. Property & Financial Affairs

An LPA in respect of Property & Financial Affairs allows your Attorneys to make decisions in relation to your financial matters. This can include managing bank accounts, paying bills, dealing with investments, and buying or selling property.

This type of LPA can be used while you still have mental capacity (with your consent) or if you later lose capacity, providing flexibility and practical support.

2. Health & Welfare

An LPA in respect of Health & Welfare allows your Attorneys to make decisions about your personal welfare, including medical treatment, care arrangements, and where you live.

This type of LPA can only be used if you lack the capacity to make these decisions yourself. You can also choose whether your Attorneys are authorised to make decisions relating to life sustaining treatment.

Putting LPAs in Place

LPAs are highly flexible documents and can be tailored to reflect your individual wishes and circumstances. You can decide who to appoint as your Attorneys, how they should act, and whether any guidance or restrictions should apply.

We will talk you through the options available, explain the responsibilities placed on Attorneys, and ensure that the documents are properly prepared and registered so that they are ready to be used if and when needed.

Our service includes dealing with the registration of the documents with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).

Fees for LPAs

Our fees for preparing and registering LPAs are usually charged on a fixed‑fee basis, so that you have clarity from the outset.

For one individual, our fees for preparing both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare LPAs are £750.00 plus VAT (total £900.00).

For couples, our fees for preparing both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare LPAs for each are £1,000.00 plus VAT (total £1,200.00).

In addition to our fees, the OPG currently charges a registration fee of £92.00 per LPA. As two LPAs are required for each individual, the total OPG registration fee is currently £184.00 per person.

By way of illustration:

• the total payable for one individual is currently £1,084.00, and
• the total payable for a couple is currently £1,568.00.

The fees set out above are based on clients proceeding with both types of LPA, as this is the most common approach and provides comprehensive future planning. If you wish to proceed with only one type of LPA, whether Property & Financial Affairs or Health & Welfare, we would be happy to assist and provide a personalised estimate based on your specific requirements.

Our fees include advice on the appropriate type of LPA, preparation of the documentation, and dealing with registration with the OPG.

Once we have discussed your requirements, we will confirm the fee payable before any work is carried out.

LPAs & Wills

Many clients choose to prepare LPAs at the same time as making a Will, as both form part of sensible forward planning.

While a Will deals with what happens after death, LPAs deal with decision making during your lifetime. Putting both in place can provide reassurance that your wishes will be respected and that the right people can act for you when needed.

Further information about making or reviewing a Will can be found on our Wills page.

Why Choose Whiting & Mason Solicitors?

• Clear, Practical Advice
  We explain your options in straightforward terms and help you understand the implications of each decision.
• Tailored Advice & Bespoke Provisions
  While LPAs are formal documents prescribed by the OPG, we provide bespoke advice and, where appropriate, include carefully drafted instructions and preferences to ensure each document reflects your individual wishes, circumstances, and future planning needs.
• Support Throughout the Process
  We guide you through preparation and registration and remain available to answer questions as your circumstances evolve.
• Experienced Solicitors
  Our Solicitors regularly advise on LPAs and wider Estate planning matters.
• Established Local Firm
  As long‑established local Solicitors, we offer a professional and personal service you can trust.