Court of Protection
Fees & Costs
A full, transparent breakdown of the costs involved in a Court of Protection application — including our legal fees, court fees, and ongoing OPG supervision costs.
We believe you should know exactly what you are paying before any work begins. All fees are confirmed in writing at the outset.
Fee Summary
What Does a Court of Protection Application Cost?
A Court of Protection deputyship application involves three categories of cost: our solicitor fees, the court application fee payable to HMCTS, and ongoing OPG supervision fees once a deputy is appointed.
Our Legal Fees
From £950 + VAT
For a standard, uncontested deputyship application. Complex or contested matters are quoted separately. Fixed-fee quote provided before work starts.
Court Application Fee
£371
Payable to HMCTS on submission of the application. Fee remission may be available if the protected person has limited financial means.
OPG Supervision Fee
Annual (from £35)
Once appointed, deputies pay an annual fee to the Office of the Public Guardian. General supervision: £320/yr. Minimal supervision: £35/yr.
What Is Included in Our Legal Fees?
Disbursements (Third-Party Costs)
In addition to our fees and the court fee, there may be third-party disbursements depending on the circumstances of the case.
| Disbursement | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court application fee | £371 | Payable to HMCTS. Fee remission may apply. |
| Medical capacity assessment (COP3) | £100–£300 | Charged by the assessing doctor or specialist. |
| OPG supervision fee (General) | £320/year | Annual fee once deputy is appointed. |
| OPG supervision fee (Minimal) | £35/year | For lower-complexity deputyships. |
| Security bond (if required) | Varies | May be required for property & financial affairs deputies. |
| Land Registry searches | £3–£10 | If property is involved. |
Cost Comparison
LPA vs Court of Protection Deputyship
If you or a loved one still has mental capacity, a Lasting Power of Attorney is significantly cheaper, faster, and gives you control over who manages your affairs. The table below shows why acting early makes financial sense.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Lasting Power of Attorney | Court of Protection Deputyship |
|---|---|---|
| Typical legal fees | From £350 + VAT per LPA | From £950 + VAT |
| Government / court fees | £82 per LPA (OPG registration) | £371 court application fee |
| Ongoing annual fees | None | OPG supervision fee (£35–£320/yr) |
| Time to complete | 8–20 weeks | 6–9 months (or longer) |
| Who decides? | You choose your attorney in advance | Court appoints a deputy |
| Flexibility | High — tailored to your wishes | Limited — court-supervised |
| Capacity required? | Yes — must have capacity when made | No — used when capacity is already lost |
| Ongoing court oversight | None (unless disputed) | Yes — annual OPG reporting required |
Still Have Capacity? Act Now.
An LPA typically costs a fraction of a deputyship application and can be put in place in a matter of weeks. Once capacity is lost, the Court of Protection route becomes the only option — and it is significantly more expensive and time-consuming.
Find out about Lasting Powers of AttorneyFee Remission & Funding
In some circumstances, the court application fee may be reduced or waived. Solicitor fees can also be paid from the protected person's estate in appropriate cases.
Court Fee Remission
If the protected person has limited savings or income, they may qualify for a full or partial remission of the £371 court fee. We will advise you on eligibility at the outset.
Payment from the Protected Person's Estate
In many cases, solicitor fees and court fees can be paid from the protected person's own funds — meaning the deputy does not need to fund the application personally.
No Hidden Costs
We provide a full written estimate before any work begins. If circumstances change and costs are likely to increase, we will tell you immediately.
Free Initial Consultation
Our initial consultation is free of charge. We will explain your options, give you a clear picture of the likely costs, and answer any questions — with no obligation to proceed.
SRA Regulated — Transparency in Pricing
PDA Law is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We are committed to publishing clear, accurate pricing information in accordance with SRA Transparency Rules. The fees shown on this page are indicative guides. Your individual quote will be confirmed in writing before any work begins. VAT is charged at the prevailing rate (currently 20%) on solicitor fees.
Related Services
Court of Protection & Estate Planning Services
Get a Clear, Written Quote
Call us for a free initial consultation. We will explain the process, give you a full written estimate, and answer any questions — with no obligation to proceed.
Free initial consultation · Fees confirmed in writing · No obligation