SimpleLPAWhere Can I Create My LPA? Solicitor vs. DIY vs. SimpleLPA
So, you've made the smart decision to get a Lasting Power of Attorney. That’s a huge, positive step for your future.
But it brings up the next, and often confusing, question: How do you actually make one?
If you've done a quick google search, you've probably seen some different options. Do you need to find an expensive solicitor? Can you just download a form and fill it in yourself? This can all feel a bit overwhelming, and let's be honest, you're looking for the best mix of peace of mind and value. You want to know it's done right, but you don't want to spend a fortune.
You have three options. Let's break them down.
Option 1: The Traditional Solicitor
This is the classic, "white-glove" service. You'll make an appointment, go to an office, and sit down with a solicitor who will draft the documents for you.
On the plus side, this is the "gold standard" for extremely complex situations. If your estate is worth many millions, involves international property, or you have complicated family trusts, a solicitor's bespoke advice is what you're paying for.
The big downside, as you've probably guessed, is the price. The cost for a solicitor to draft your LPA can be staggering, often ranging from £300 to £800+ for a single document. It’s also the slowest and least convenient option, requiring you to work around their schedule and attend in-person meetings.
That £300-£800+ price tag can be a shock. Solicitor fees vary wildly depending on where you live, and most people don't know what they should be paying. So we actually built a free LPA Solicitor Fees Calculator so you can see the average cost in your specific postcode. It's a real eye-opener and highlights just how much you can save.
Option 2: The Do It Yourself
This is the "go-it-alone" route. You can go directly to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) website, download the 20+ page forms, and fill them all out yourself.
The main draw here is that it's technically the cheapest way. You don't pay any service fees; you only pay the £92 government registration fee (which, you have to pay no matter which method you choose).
But this is where the trouble starts. The forms are notoriously long and full of confusing legal jargon. The OPG isn't there to give you guidance; they just process the paperwork. If you make a single mistake—like appointing your attorneys incorrectly, missing a signature, or having it witnessed in the wrong order your LPA could be rejected months later. You will then have to fix the errors and potentially pay the £92 fee again. It's a real risk that can leave you unprotected when you need it most.
Ready to protect your family?
Appoint someone you trust in minutes — £49 per LPA, no hidden fees.
Option 3: The Modern Way with SimpleLPA
This is the 'best-of-both-worlds' approach and the entire reason we built our online LPA service. We believe getting an LPA should be secure, simple, and affordable.
We give you the legal security of a solicitor but with the convenience and value of the DIY route.
How? We’ve taken those baffling government forms and turned them into a series of simple, plain-English questions. Our smart system guides you, step-by-step, from your sofa. In fact, you can watch our 40 second tutorial video to see just how fast the process is.
The best part is our built-in error checking. We've designed our process to make it virtually impossible to make the common mistakes that lead to rejection. You get the peace of mind that it's been done correctly, for a low, flat fee. We give you a fully completed LPA, ready to be printed, signed, and sent for registration.
At a Glance: LPA Option Comparison
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the three options stack up.
Feature | Solicitor | DIY Gov Forms | SimpleLPA |
|---|---|---|---|
Cost (Service Fee) | £300 - £800+ | £0 | £49 (Low Flat Fee) |
Convenience | Low (In-person) | Medium (At home) | High (At home, 15 mins) |
Guidance & Error Checking | High (Full legal advice) | None (High risk) | High (Guided process) |
Speed | Slow (Weeks) | Slow (Days to fill out) | Fast (Minutes to create) |
Peace of Mind | High | Low | High |
So, Which is Right for You?
When you see it all laid out, the choice becomes much clearer.
If your estate is exceptionally complex, a solicitor is the right choice. If you're a legal expert yourself and willing to risk rejection to save a few pounds, the DIY forms are a good option.
But for the vast majority of people, SimpleLPA is the clear, common-sense choice, using the same simple, guided approach we've perfected for our Online Wills. You get the convenience and affordability of the DIY method and expert guidance. You avoid the high fees, the confusing jargon, and the costly risk of your LPA being rejected.
