LPA Registration Fee increase – Act Now And Beat The Price Hike
As we enter the latter part of the year, it’s an important time not just for reflection but for action, especially when it comes to planning for the future.
One of the most empowering and compassionate steps any of us can take, both for ourselves and our loved ones, is to put in place a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
There is no better time than now, as from 17 November 2025, the court fee to register a lasting power of attorney (LPA) will increase from £82 to £92 per document.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. In the UK, there are two types of LPA:
- Health and Welfare LPA – covers decisions about medical care, living arrangements, and daily routines.
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA – deals with managing bank accounts, paying bills, or selling property.
Why Is an LPA So Crucial in the Context of Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition. In the early stages, individuals may still have the capacity to make decisions, but this can deteriorate unpredictably and often sooner than expected. Here’s why acting early is vital:
1. Preserve Your Autonomy
Creating an LPA while you are still mentally capable allows you to choose who will act in your best interest, rather than leaving it to the courts or local authorities to decide later on.
2. Avoid Family Conflict
Without an LPA, families may face significant delays and legal costs applying to the Court of Protection to gain decision-making powers. This can be distressing during an already emotional time. An LPA provides clarity and reduces the likelihood of disagreements or confusion.
3. Ensure Timely Care and Support
If decisions need to be made quickly—whether about medical treatment, moving into care, or accessing finances—a registered LPA allows your chosen attorney(s) to act swiftly and legally, without bureaucratic delays.
4. Protect Financial Interests
Alzheimer’s can make managing finances difficult or even dangerous if the individual is vulnerable to scams or forgets to pay bills. An LPA ensures someone trusted is able to step in and manage these responsibilities properly.
Common Misconceptions
- “I’m too young to need one.”
- Alzheimer’s doesn’t only affect the elderly. Early-onset Alzheimer’s can begin in people in their 40s or 50s. Mental incapacity can also arise from strokes, accidents, or other illnesses at any age.
- “My family can take care of it.”
- Without an LPA, even spouses and close family members don’t have automatic legal authority to make decisions on your behalf.
- “It’s too complicated.”
- While the process involves some paperwork and registration with the Office of the Public Guardian, it is straightforward—and far simpler than the legal processes required if you lose capacity without one.
Final Thoughts
Alzheimer’s robs people of many things – memory, communication, and independence, among them. But with an LPA in place, you retain a measure of control over how your life is managed, even if your voice becomes harder to hear.
Having an LPA in place is one of the most practical ways to prepare for later life, either for yourself or someone you care about.
By taking this step now, you are giving yourself and your loved ones peace of mind and protection. It’s not a sign of weakness or pessimism – it’s a courageous and proactive move.
For more information and to arrange a free initial meeting to discuss an LPA or to ask questions, please contact:
01792 310731