LPA pricing gap revealed by research

A recent study by yourLPA reveals that nearly three in four solicitor firms in England and Wales do not disclose their prices for preparing a lasting power of attorney (LPA). This lack of transparency leaves potential clients without essential information needed for cost comparison. For couples preparing both types of LPAs, the fees varied significantly between firms, ranging from £900 to £2,400 for four documents, excluding government registration fees.

Conducted in October 2026, the study examined the websites of 113 solicitor firms across 20 locations. Surprisingly, only 31 (27%) displayed current LPA pricing, while 76 firms provided no pricing information at all. Additionally, of the 50 sites that mentioned the registration fee to the Office of the Public Guardian, 23 (46%) quoted outdated figures, which could significantly mislead clients regarding the total costs involved.

The price discrepancies indicate a median fee of £540 for a single LPA, £900 for an individual preparing both types of LPAs, and £1,375 for couples. The research highlighted that outdated registration fee quotations could lead to families underestimating the financial implications of setting up LPAs; the fee had risen from £82 to £92 in November 2025.

Local findings further indicated significant variances in pricing transparency. For instance, six out of 11 firms surveyed in Newcastle and Sunderland published their prices, while none of the nine firms checked in Norwich and Cambridge did the same. These regional inconsistencies demonstrate a broader issue of information accessibility within the legal sector.

Steve Ryan, founder of yourLPA and a Full Member of the Society of Will Writers, said, "Most people only make an LPA once, so they have no idea what a fair price looks like. If nearly three in four firms won't put a price on their website, families can't easily compare without phoning round." He also emphasised the risks of delaying LPA arrangements, as families may end up facing significant legal and court fees while waiting for a court order if a family member loses their decision-making capacity.

As the need for clarity in LPA pricing becomes increasingly urgent, yourLPA advocates for enhanced transparency within the legal sector to facilitate informed decision-making for families. The significant implications of not having an LPA in place underscore the importance of planning in advance.