If you have been meaning to arrange Lasting Powers of Attorney but keep putting it off, it is worth asking what might happen if circumstances change before you act.
In three months, you could still have no arrangements in place to let someone you trust manage your finances or make health and welfare decisions if you cannot make them yourself. In six months, an illness or accident could make it too late to create the documents. Your family might then need to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to help manage your affairs. In 12 months, doing nothing could still leave loved ones facing uncertainty, lengthy legal processes and extra costs at an already difficult time.
These are possibilities, not predictions. But you can only make an LPA while you have the mental capacity to do so. Choosing the right support now can help you make informed choices and reduce the risk of avoidable errors.
What are you comparing: forms, advice or a complete service?
In England and Wales, there are two types of LPA: one for property and financial affairs and one for health and welfare. You can make either or both. The paper forms let you appoint attorneys and set out how they can act, including any instructions or restrictions you choose to include.
Your LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used. The OPG says registration “takes 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes in the application”. A mistake can mean delays and, depending on the issue, further work to put it right.
You do not have to use a solicitor. The OPG provides paper forms and guidance, and some people may feel confident completing a straightforward application themselves. The important comparison is not simply solicitor or no solicitor. It is whether the help you choose suits your circumstances and gives you confidence that the forms have been properly completed.
Option 1: Complete the paper forms yourself
This may suit you if your choices are straightforward, you clearly understand what you are signing, and you are comfortable following the official instructions carefully.
The forms still require decisions that deserve thought: whom to appoint, whether attorneys should act together or independently, who should be told about the application, and whether to include instructions or restrictions. You also need to make sure the signing happens in the correct order and that the application is submitted properly.
Best suited to: someone with a simple situation who feels confident managing the paperwork and checking the official guidance.
Consider carefully: an error, unclear wording or an unsuitable choice of attorney may create practical problems for you and your family. If you are unsure about any part of the form, do not guess.
Option 2: Use a form-filling or document service
A lower-cost service may provide help with completing forms, but check exactly what that means before you commit. Does the service explain your options, or only transfer information you provide onto the paperwork? Will anyone discuss your choice of attorneys and the consequences of different instructions? Who checks the completed paper forms before they are sent for registration?
Best suited to: someone who wants help with administration but has uncomplicated decisions and does not need tailored legal advice.
Consider carefully: a neat-looking form is not the same as advice on whether the arrangements are right for you. Ask what is included, who will review the documents, and what happens if the OPG raises a concern.
Option 3: Instruct a solicitor who understands your circumstances
A solicitor can talk through your choices, explain legal terms in plain English and help you prepare the paper forms around your needs. They can also discuss potential issues such as choosing replacement attorneys, setting out instructions, or making arrangements where family relationships or finances are more complicated.
When comparing lasting power of attorney solicitors, ask who will advise you, how much experience they have with LPAs, and whether the service includes checking and submitting the forms for registration. A good lpa solicitor should make space for your questions rather than rushing you through a standard process.
This can be particularly valuable if you have a business, property, a blended family, concerns about possible disagreements, or questions about an attorney’s role. A private client solicitor may also be able to consider how your LPAs fit alongside your wider planning, including your Will.
Best suited to: someone who wants advice tailored to their circumstances and reassurance that important choices and paperwork have been considered carefully.
Consider carefully: get a clear written explanation of what the solicitor will do and what falls outside the service. Ask whether the fee covers advice, preparing the forms, checking signatures, dealing with the OPG and responding to queries.
How to compare solicitors fairly
Before choosing, ask each firm the same practical questions:
- Who will handle my matter? Ask about their relevant experience and who will be your main contact.
- Will you discuss my choices with me? This includes your attorneys, how they act, and any instructions or restrictions.
- What does the service include? Confirm whether advice, form preparation, checking, submission and OPG correspondence are covered.
- How do you handle concerns about capacity or pressure? You should feel your wishes are being heard and that the solicitor will take appropriate steps if there are concerns.
- What are the likely timescales? Registration is a separate stage, and the OPG’s timescale can depend on receiving a complete application.
- What will I pay, and what might cost extra? Request a written quote and check whether it covers one LPA or both.
Do not choose on headline price alone. The value is in understanding what you are agreeing to, appointing people you trust, and having the paperwork prepared and checked with care. That preparation can help protect your choices and spare your loved ones uncertainty when they may already be worried about you.
After you understand what each service offers, compare the costs on the same basis. The OPG registration fee is currently £92 for each LPA (£184 if you register both types) unless you qualify for a reduction or exemption. This is separate from any solicitor’s fee, so check whether it is included in the quote. You can find the current details on the OPG registration guidance.
The best choice is the one that fits your needs
There is no single option that is right for everyone. If your arrangements are simple and you are confident with the paper forms, using the official guidance may be enough. If your circumstances are more involved, or you want professional advice and support through the process, speaking to a solicitor may give you greater clarity and peace of mind.
Tyto Law Solicitors helps clients consider their options in clear, straightforward language. We serve clients from our offices in Crowle, North Lincolnshire, and Lincoln. Whether you are looking for a solicitor Lincoln residents can speak to locally or a solicitor Crowle clients can contact close to home, we can talk through your situation and explain how we may be able to help.
You can also read our guide on who should have a Lasting Power of Attorney. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us to book a consultation or have a chat about putting the right arrangements in place.
Category: Lasting Powers of Attorney
About the author
Oliver Saxon is the Principal Solicitor at Tyto Law Solicitors. He advises individuals on legal matters with a focus on practical guidance and clear communication. Read more about Oliver Saxon.