Fees for Lasting Power of Attorney

The Government response to the public's views on proposed fees for the new Court of Protection and the Office of the Public Guardian was published on the 30th April 2007.

The response proposes a £150 fee for registering a Lasting Power of Attorney and an increase in registering an Enduring Power of Attorney to £125.

To register the equivalent Powers of Attorney in Scotland costs £35.

Constitutional Affairs minister Cathy Ashton said: "Today's announcement is a step closer to full implementation of the Mental Capacity Act. The new fees structures will make it easier for people to plan ahead for the start of the Court of Protection and the Office of the Public Guardian.

"The fees structures provide clarity and support the new services and safeguards we have put in place to protect people who lack mental capacity, to ensure that there are checks and balances at all times."

The fees structures will now go before Parliament in the summer and will come into effect on October 1 together with the Court of Protection and the Office of the Public Guardian.

One of the main reasons why the current Enduring Power of Attorney is generally considered to be better is the fact that the fees for an EPA are paid as and when the attorney is "used". The new rules required payment of the fee at inception.

Lasting Power of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney will replace the current Enduring Power of Attorney in October 2007.

It is generally accepted that the current Enduring Power of Attorney is better for most people.

For further information Enduring Power of Attorney