Alternatives
LPA vs Court of Protection: which is cheaper?
Reviewed 3 November 2026 · England and Wales
In short
A lasting power of attorney is something you set up in advance to choose who makes decisions for you. The Court of Protection is what your family must use if you lose capacity without an LPA: it appoints a deputy. An LPA is far cheaper and faster, costing £92 to register, while a deputyship application runs into hundreds of pounds plus ongoing costs.
Both routes end with someone able to make decisions for a person who has lost capacity. The difference is whether you planned ahead, and the cost and control that follow.
What each one is
A lasting power of attorney is made in advance, by you, while you still have capacity. You choose your attorneys and set the terms. It is registered once and then ready whenever it is needed.
The Court of Protection steps in when someone has already lost capacity and has no LPA. A family member (or someone else) applies to be appointed as a deputy. The court decides who is appointed and what they can do, and a deputy is often supervised and has to report each year.
Why an LPA is better value
An LPA costs £92 per LPA to register and puts you in control of who acts for you. A deputyship application is more expensive, slower, and leaves the decision about who acts to the court rather than to you. There can also be ongoing supervision fees and a security bond.
You can only make an LPA while you still have capacity. Once capacity is lost, the LPA route is closed and deputyship is the only option, so the real saving comes from setting an LPA up in good time.
At a glance
| Lasting power of attorney | Court of Protection deputyship | |
|---|---|---|
| When it is set up | In advance, by you | After capacity is lost, by your family |
| Who chooses the decision-maker | You do | The court does |
| Typical cost | £92 per LPA to register | Hundreds of pounds, plus ongoing fees |
| Ongoing supervision | No | Often yes, with annual reports |
| Speed | Register once, ready when needed | Slower application each time |
Frequently asked questions
Is an LPA cheaper than the Court of Protection?
Yes, considerably. An LPA costs £92 per LPA to register. A deputyship application costs far more, can carry ongoing supervision fees and a security bond, and takes longer.
Can I use the Court of Protection instead of an LPA?
Only after someone has lost capacity without an LPA. While you still have capacity, an LPA is the cheaper, faster and more controllable route, and it is the one the Court of Protection route is meant to avoid.
What is a deputy?
A deputy is a person the Court of Protection appoints to make decisions for someone who has lost capacity and has no LPA. Deputies are often supervised by the OPG and have to report each year.
Related resources
What happens if you don't have an LPA?
Without a lasting power of attorney, no one can automatically manage your affairs if you lose capacity. What really happens, and the Court of Protection route.
What is a lasting power of attorney?
A plain-English guide to lasting power of attorney in England and Wales: the two types, how an LPA works, who is involved and how to set one up.
How much does a lasting power of attorney cost?
What a lasting power of attorney costs in England and Wales: the £92 OPG registration fee, fee reductions, and what solicitors and services charge.
What is the difference between a will and an LPA?
A will and a lasting power of attorney do completely different jobs. The difference between a will and an LPA, and why most people need both.
Power of attorney for an elderly parent
How to help a parent set up their LPA while they still have capacity.
Power of attorney after a dementia diagnosis
You can still make an LPA after a dementia diagnosis, as long as capacity remains.
LPASafe covers England and Wales only. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different systems. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice. The LP1F and LP1H forms are available free on gov.uk.
Ready when you are
Plan ahead and keep the choice yours
Setting up an LPA now is cheaper and simpler than leaving your family to apply to the Court of Protection later.