Below is some information about making Lasting Power of Attorney in Beaconsfield – the costs, the process and common mistakes. Many people assume that their spouse or adult children would automatically be able to manage their finances or make medical decisions for them if they became unwell. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to choose trusted people to make decisions for you if you lose capacity in the future. Putting LPAs in place early is usually far simpler, less expensive and far less stressful than trying to deal with matters during a crisis.
I am based in Beaconsfield and help clients across Gerrards Cross, the Chalfonts, Amersham and surrounding Buckinghamshire villages put LPAs in place on a fixed-fee basis.
How Much Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Cost in Beaconsfield?
There are two elements to the cost of putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place.
Office of the Public Guardian registration fees
There is a compulsory government registration fee of £92 per LPA (£184 if you put both the Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare LPAs in place). This fee is payable directly to the Office of the Public Guardian.
Professional fees
My fixed fee for preparing LPAs is £695 (no VAT) for one person or £1,095 for a couple preparing their LPAs at the same time.
This includes:
- Advice on choosing appropriate attorneys
- Preparing the documents
- Acting as certificate provider if appropriate
- Overseeing correct signing
- Submitting the LPAs for registration and oversight of the registration process to completion
Many clients find that taking advice helps avoid common errors which can otherwise lead to delays or replacement documents later.
Is it worth using a professional for LPAs?
It is possible to prepare LPAs yourself using the government website. However, many clients prefer to take advice to ensure the documents will work smoothly if they are ever needed.
In particular, careful thought is usually needed when deciding:
- Who should act as attorneys
- Whether attorneys should act jointly or independently
- What replacement arrangements should be made
- Whether any guidance or safeguards should be included
My role is simply to make the process straightforward and ensure everything is properly thought through.
How long does it take?
Once signed, LPAs currently take around 8–12 weeks to register with the Office of the Public Guardian, although times can vary.
Because LPAs cannot normally be used until registration is complete, it is sensible to put them in place well before they might be needed.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
There are two types of LPA:
Property and Financial Affairs LPA
This allows your attorneys to deal with matters such as:
- Managing bank accounts
- Paying bills
- Handling investments
- Dealing with property
Health and Welfare LPA
This covers decisions such as:
- Medical treatment
- Care arrangements
- Where you live
- Life-sustaining treatment decisions
Most people choose to put in place both types of deed together.
Do I really need an LPA if I already have a Will?
Yes. A Will only takes effect after death. An LPA protects you while you are still alive.
Without an LPA, your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection to manage your affairs. This process can be:
- Slow
- Expensive
- Administratively burdensome
- Stressful for families at an already difficult time
An LPA is the simpler, faster and more cost-effective approach.
How much does a Lasting Power of Attorney cost?
There are two elements to cost:
Government registration fee:
Currently £92 per LPA, payable to the Office of the Public Guardian.
Professional fees:
I offer clear fixed fees for preparing LPAs so clients know exactly where they stand from the outset.
Many clients find that proper advice helps avoid errors which can otherwise cause delays or require replacement documents later.
Common mistakes people make with LPAs in Beaconsfield
LPAs are powerful legal documents and small errors can cause real problems. Common issues I see include:
- Choosing attorneys without thinking through how decisions will work in practice
- Unclear or impractical instructions
- Failing to consider replacement attorneys
- Signing documents incorrectly
- Using unsuitable certificate providers
- Not registering the LPA until it is urgently needed
Getting the structure right at the outset usually avoids difficulties later.
When should you put an LPA in place?
Most people make LPAs:
- After buying a house
- When they have children
- When approaching retirement
- After seeing a family member struggle without one
The best time is simply while you are well and able to make clear decisions. The irony with an LPA is that if you need to use one, you will not be able to make one at that point.
Do married couples both need LPAs?
Yes. LPAs are individual documents. Even where finances are shared, each person should have their own LPAs.
Most couples choose to appoint each other, often with adult children or other trusted people as replacements.
Can I prepare an LPA myself?
It is possible to prepare LPAs yourself, but many clients prefer to take professional advice to ensure:
- The right attorneys are appointed
- Practical safeguards are included
- The documents will work smoothly if ever needed
- Registration proceeds without delays
My role is usually to make the process straightforward for my clients and ensure everything is properly thought through.
When should you arrange LPAs?
Most clients put LPAs in place at the same time as updating their Wills, after retirement, or after seeing how difficult matters can become when someone loses capacity without proper documents in place. Arranging LPAs early is usually straightforward and provides long-term peace of mind.
My approach
I take a practical, straightforward approach and aim to make the process as simple as possible. Meetings can usually be arranged at times that fit around work and family commitments. There is no pressure or complicated legal language — just clear advice so that you can make informed decisions.
Arranging your Lasting Powers of Attorney
If you would like help putting LPAs in place, or would simply like to understand whether they would be sensible for you, you are welcome to get in touch. I advise many individuals and families in Beaconsfield, the Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross and the surrounding Buckinghamshire area.
About Rebecca D’Arcy, Beaconsfield Wills and LPA Will Writer
Rebecca D’Arcy is the principal of Chiltern Wills LLP and advises individuals and families across Beaconsfield and Buckinghamshire on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and estate planning. Rebecca has extensive experience helping clients put clear, practical arrangements in place and is known for her straightforward, jargon-free approach. Her work focuses on ensuring documents are properly structured and will work as intended when they are needed. Rebecca regularly advises families who want careful, sensible planning rather than aggressive tax planning schemes.
Rebecca is a member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and the Society of Will Writers, and keeps up to date with developments in private client law and practice.
You can find out more about Rebecca’s approach on the About page or contact Chiltern Wills LLP to arrange an initial discussion.
Last reviewed: March 2026
