Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, is one of the UK's most trusted consumer finance websites. Their Power of Attorney guide is a fantastic free resource for anyone who wants to understand what an LPA is, why it matters and how to set one up without overspending.
In this article, we summarise the key takeaways from the MSE guide and explain how our LPA assistance service fits into the picture — helping you get your LPA sorted affordably, without the stress of navigating the forms alone.
Read the original guide: You can find the full Money Saving Expert Power of Attorney guide at moneysavingexpert.com/family/power-of-attorney.
What the MSE Guide Explains
The MSE guide breaks down Lasting Power of Attorney into clear, plain-English sections. It explains the two types of LPA, who needs one, how much it costs and how to go about setting one up. It also highlights that many people wrongly assume their next of kin can automatically step in — which, as the guide makes clear, is not the case without an LPA in place.
One of the most important messages in the guide is simple: do not wait. An LPA can only be made while you have mental capacity. Once capacity is lost, it is too late, and families may face a costly and stressful Court of Protection application instead.
Key Takeaways from the Guide
Two types of LPA
Property & Financial Affairs covers money, bills, property and pensions. Health & Welfare covers care, medical treatment and daily routine decisions.
You must have mental capacity
An LPA can only be made while you have mental capacity. You cannot make one after losing capacity — so planning ahead is essential.
The OPG fee is separate
The Office of the Public Guardian charges £92 per LPA to register it. This is a government fee, separate from any assistance or solicitor service fee.
Fee reductions are available
If you receive certain means-tested benefits, you may qualify for a 50% remission or full exemption from the OPG registration fee.
You do not always need a solicitor
For straightforward situations, you can complete the forms yourself or use an assistance service. A solicitor may be advisable for complex legal, financial or family situations.
Do not delay
Many people put off setting up an LPA until it is too late. The MSE guide stresses that the time to act is while you are well and have mental capacity.
How Much Does an LPA Cost According to MSE?
The MSE guide is clear that there are costs involved in setting up an LPA, but also that there are ways to keep those costs down. The main costs are:
- The OPG registration fee — a government charge per LPA, payable to the Office of the Public Guardian.
- Any service or professional fee — if you use a solicitor or an assistance service rather than completing the forms yourself.
MSE points out that the DIY route through GOV.UK is the cheapest option, but also warns that mistakes can cause delays and additional costs. This is where an assistance service like ours can help — we provide plain-English guidance through the forms at a fraction of the cost of a solicitor. See our pricing page for details.
DIY, Solicitor or LPA Assistance?
The MSE guide outlines the main options for setting up an LPA. Here is how they compare:
1. DIY through GOV.UK
The lowest-cost route. You complete the forms yourself. MSE notes this may suit confident form-fillers, but mistakes can cause delays and the OPG may charge for resubmissions.
2. Solicitor route
Full professional legal advice. More expensive, but may be appropriate for complex legal, financial or family situations. MSE acknowledges this can be the right choice when things are not straightforward.
3. LPA assistance service
Sits between DIY and a solicitor. We help you understand and prepare the forms in plain English, without the cost of full legal representation. This is exactly what Lasting Power of Attorney Assistance provides.
How We Can Help
If you have read the MSE guide and understand the importance of an LPA but feel unsure about completing the forms yourself, that is where we come in. Our LPA assistance service provides:
- Plain-English guidance through each section of the forms
- Help understanding which LPA type you need
- Support with signing and witnessing requirements
- Clear explanation of the OPG registration process and fees
- Affordable fixed pricing from just £50 for both LPA Forms per Donor
- Local support in Hitchin or remote assistance across England and Wales
Ready to get your LPA sorted?
Get in touch today for affordable, plain-English LPA assistance. Based in Hitchin, supporting families across England and Wales.
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