The Office of the Public Guardian (‘OPG’) has announced a fee increase for Lasting Power of Attorney registrations. From November 17, 2025, the fee rises from £82 to £92 per LPA. This marks the first increase in several years. The LPA fee increase in 2025 affects anyone planning to set up these crucial legal protections.
This £10 increase might seem modest. However, those needing both types of LPA face an extra £20 in total costs. This change prompts an important question. Should you rush to apply before the deadline? Or is proper preparation worth more than the saving? Let’s explore what this LPA fee increase 2025 means for your estate planning decisions. For more about LPA planning, see our comprehensive guide.
Understanding the LPA Fee Increase Details
The current £82 registration fee has remained stable for several years. The increase to £92 represents a significant change in estate planning costs. Those setting up both LPAs see total costs rise from £164 to £184. This represents approximately a 12% increase. While not insignificant, it remains modest compared to recent inflation.
The new fee applies to applications received on or after November 17, 2025. Your application must arrive at OPG offices before this date for the lower fee. Simply posting before November 17th doesn’t guarantee the lower fee. The application must arrive before the deadline. This timing element complicates decisions about when to proceed. The Office of the Public Guardian website provides official fee information.
The Office of the Public Guardian processes thousands of LPA applications monthly. The fee funds their essential work safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The registration process includes thorough fraud prevention checks. It maintains registers of all LPAs and provides ongoing support. The fee increase reflects the real costs of providing this vital service.
Historical context helps understand this change. LPA fees have remained stable whilst other legal costs have soared. Court fees for many procedures have doubled or tripled recently. The LPA fee increase in 2025 maintains LPAs as cost-effective legal protection. Deputyship applications currently cost £371. This makes even the increased LPA fee seem remarkably reasonable. Learn more about mental capacity planning to understand why LPAs matter.
Should You Apply Before the 2025 LPA Fee Rise?
The LPA fee increase in 2025 naturally prompts quick action. But this decision requires careful thought. Saving £20 is appealing. However, mistakes in your LPA could cost far more.
Those already considering LPAs should certainly apply before November 17th. Have you discussed matters with family members? Have you identified suitable attorneys? Do you understand what powers you want to grant? If yes, then accelerating your timeline makes perfect sense. The fee increase provides a useful deadline for existing plans.
However, rushing without proper consideration creates false economy. LPAs are complex legal documents affecting your future security. Hasty attorney choices could cause problems. Inadequate guidance about your wishes might create confusion. Poor drafting might require costly replacement later. These issues far exceed the £20 saving. Our estate planning mistakes guide highlights pitfalls to avoid.
Processing times add another consideration. The Office of the Public Guardian typically takes 8-10 weeks for registration. This can extend during busy periods. Even applications submitted today may not be registered until early 2026. If you need operational LPAs by a specific date, work backwards from that date. This matters more than the fee increase deadline.
Fee Reductions Available Despite LPA Fee Increase 2025
The LPA fee increase in 2025 doesn’t affect fee reductions and exemptions. These provisions ensure LPAs remain accessible regardless of financial circumstances. The same eligibility criteria continue after the fee increase.
Certain means-tested benefits qualify you for 50% fee reduction. These include Income Support and income-based ESA. Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance also qualifies. So do Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit. Council Tax Reduction counts too. With the reduction, fees become £46 per LPA after November 17th. The Government website offers guidance on fee exemptions.
Complete fee exemption remains available for those with very low incomes. Annual income below £12,000 may qualify for full exemption. This assessment considers gross annual income from all sources. However, certain disability benefits are excluded. The exemption process requires additional forms and income evidence. But it ensures financial hardship doesn’t prevent essential protection.
These provisions show the LPA fee increase in 2025 shouldn’t deter anyone. Cost concerns shouldn’t prevent obtaining necessary protection. If finances worry you, investigate reductions or exemptions. Don’t assume you cannot afford this vital protection.
The Real Cost of Delaying Your LPA
The LPA fee increase 2025 might seem like reason to delay. But the true costs of not having LPAs far exceed registration fees. Consider what happens without these protections. Your loved ones would need Court of Protection deputyship. Application fees start at £371. Annual supervision fees add ongoing costs.
Beyond money, families face emotional tolls navigating deputyship during difficult times. Imagine your spouse unable to access joint accounts. Picture your children disagreeing about medical treatment. These scenarios create stress and conflict. Families need to focus on providing care, not legal battles.
The opportunity cost extends beyond emergencies. Many people use Property and Financial Affairs LPAs whilst mentally capable. Trusted attorneys can help with financial management during illness. Each month without this flexibility represents missed opportunities. The LPA fee increase in 2025 pales compared to remaining unprotected. See our Will writing services for complete estate planning.
Making the Most of Your LPA Investment
Whether applying before or after the LPA fee increase in 2025, maximise your investment value. Your registration fee provides more than just a document. It creates a comprehensive framework for future decision-making. This protects your interests and guides your attorneys.
Quality matters more than speed when creating LPAs. Well-drafted documents serve you better than rushed ones. Carefully chosen attorneys provide better protection. Clear preferences guide decisions effectively. Appropriate instructions prevent problems. Consider what your registration fee actually provides. You gain legal authority for trusted individuals. You receive protection against financial abuse. Your family gains peace of mind. You avoid expensive court proceedings.
Professional assistance often proves valuable, despite adding initial costs. Expert guidance helps you consider unexpected scenarios. It ensures appropriate attorney selection. Professionals help draft effective preferences and instructions. They prevent common mistakes causing registration delays. This investment often pays for itself through avoided problems. The Age UK website provides additional LPA guidance.
At A.D.E Wills, we create robust LPAs providing lasting value. We work with urgent timelines for November 17th submissions. But we never sacrifice quality for speed. Call us on 01865 507174 or email info@adewills.co.uk. We’ll help you maximise your LPA investment.
Practical Next Steps Before the 2025 Fee Increase
Those proceeding before the LPA fee increase 2025 need practical planning. Start gathering necessary information immediately. Collect full names and addresses of proposed attorneys. Note their birth dates and contact details. Consider replacement attorneys and certificate providers. Think through your preferences about decision-making.
Book professional consultations early. Many firms experience increased demand before the deadline. A.D.E Wills has scheduled additional appointments for pre-deadline submissions. However, we maintain our quality commitment. We won’t rush important decisions to save fees.
Allow time for the complete process. This includes consultation and advice. Form completion takes time. Reviews and amendments may be needed. All parties must provide signatures. Posting must allow arrival before November 17th. Working backwards, start by early November at the latest. This timeline provides buffer for unexpected delays. Check our estate planning basics for preparation tips.
If you can’t meet the deadline without rushing, remember perspective. Twenty pounds is small compared to getting LPAs right. The new £92 fee still represents exceptional value. Focus on creating comprehensive, effective LPAs. Don’t race against the calendar at quality’s expense.
Take Action Today
The LPA fee increase 2025 reminds us about estate planning importance. Whether applying before or after November 17th, take action. Protect yourself and your loved ones. Don’t let modest fee increases deter essential legal protection. The savings could be thousands of pounds and immeasurable stress.
Contact A.D.E Wills today on 01865 507174 or email info@adewills.co.uk. Discuss your LPA needs with our experienced team. We’ll advise whether beating the deadline suits your circumstances. Or whether careful preparation justifies the increased fee. We ensure correct, comprehensive completion for your chosen deadline.
Remember the key question. It’s not whether you can afford the LPA fee. It’s whether you can afford to remain unprotected. Make 2025 the year you secured vital protection. Give your family peace of mind that lasts forever. Visit our contact page for directions to our office.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Lasting Power of Attorney fees and the November 2025 increase in England and Wales. It should not be considered as legal advice for your specific circumstances. Individual situations vary and may require tailored guidance. A.D.E Wills are professional Will writers and estate planners. We are not solicitors or financial advisors. Where specialist legal or financial advice would benefit your situation, we refer clients to qualified professionals in these fields. All fee information is correct as of November 2025 but may be subject to future changes.
