DIY LPA vs Online Service vs Solicitor: Cost Comparison 2026

DIY LPA vs Online Service vs Solicitor: Which Is Best Value?

Creating an LPA doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here's how the three main options compare.

Cost Comparison Table

Option	Single LPA	Both LPAs	OPG Fee	Total (Both)

DIY (OPG forms)	Free	Free	£164	£164
myLPA Online	£74	£140	£164	£304
Solicitor (avg)	£400	£700	£164	£864
Solicitor (high)	£600	£1,000+	£164	£1,164+

Option 1: DIY with OPG Forms

What You Get

• Free forms from gov.uk
• Basic guidance notes
• You do everything yourself

True Cost

• Forms: Free
• OPG registration: £82 per LPA
• Total: £164 for both LPAs

Pros

✓ Cheapest option ✓ Complete control ✓ No waiting for appointments

Cons

✗ High rejection rate (mistakes are common) ✗ No expert review ✗ Time-consuming (4-8 hours typical) ✗ No support if stuck ✗ Risk of costly errors

Best For

• Simple situations
• Legally confident individuals
• Those with plenty of time

Option 2: Online Service (myLPA)

What You Get

• Guided online questionnaire
• Pre-filled forms
• Expert document review
• Error checking
• Phone and email support
• Clear signing instructions

True Cost

• Service fee: £74-140
• OPG registration: £164
• Total: £304 for both LPAs

Pros

✓ 80% cheaper than solicitors ✓ Expert review catches errors ✓ Convenient—complete from home ✓ Support available ✓ Fast—15-20 minutes online

Cons

✗ Not free like DIY ✗ Not face-to-face advice

Best For

• Most people
• Those wanting professional quality at fair price
• People comfortable using computers
• Those who want peace of mind

Option 3: Solicitor

What You Get

• Face-to-face consultation
• Bespoke legal advice
• Forms prepared for you
• May offer home visits
• Can advise on complex situations

True Cost

• Solicitor fees: £300-1,000+ per LPA
• OPG registration: £164
• Total: £764-2,164+ for both LPAs

Pros

✓ Personalised advice ✓ Handle complex situations ✓ Face-to-face meetings ✓ Full legal support

Cons

✗ Expensive ✗ Need to book appointments ✗ Wait times for consultations ✗ Quality varies by firm

Best For

• Complex family situations
• High-net-worth individuals
• Those needing specialist advice
• People who prefer face-to-face

Hidden Costs to Consider

DIY Hidden Costs

• Time spent (4-8+ hours)
• Cost if rejected and restarting
• Stress and uncertainty

Solicitor Hidden Costs

• Disbursements (postage, copies)
• Additional consultation fees
• Home visit charges

Online Service Hidden Costs

• Usually none—fixed pricing

The Real Question: What's Peace of Mind Worth?

Consider not just the price, but:

• How confident are you filling in legal forms?
• What's your time worth?
• Can you afford mistakes?
• Do you need specialist advice?

Our Honest Recommendation

Situation

Best Option

Simple, standard LPA	Online service (myLPA)
Very tight budget	DIY (but be careful)
Complex family situation	Solicitor
Business owner	Solicitor or online + solicitor review
Want balance of cost and quality	Online service (myLPA)

Get Both LPAs for £140 →