How much should it cost to draw up a power of attorney - solicitors I need your help to see if my granny has been fleeced!

[chipmunkswhereareyou]

My grandma recently had a power of attorney set up so that if she becomes incapacitated there is a procedure in place etc.

How much would this normally cost?

She had one home visit where the solicitor or someone brought some forms over to sign, the fee includes the court hearing and sending the forms to the relevant organisation etc.

She was charged over £600 which strikes me as a lot.

There should not be a court hearing afaik, as it would not be needed until your granny was incapacitated.

You'd better check what she signed, and do some research on the web, as they could have misunderstood what was required and be trying to action the power of attourney now rather than later when it is needed.

I got one with my brother for my mum, and it was the cost of the pack from WH Smith, and a solicitor signing the witnessed copies to certify that it was legel. £50 tops; but the rules on poas have changed.

My nan was charged £340 plus some other registration fees which were about £60, so it is very expensive.

The new enduring powers of attorney, which is what I think you are talking about, are a lot more complicated. The Law Society Gazette letters page has been full of it.

She can ask for a renumeration certificate in relation to her solicitor's bill - I think she has to pay half the cost in full, and any out of pocket disbursments like court fees in full. The solicitor's file then goes to an independent person who assesses whether the fee is fair. I am afraid I can't remember if the independent person is at court or is another solicitor.

The details should be on a client care / terms of engagement letter the solicitor should have sent at the start of the instruction, or on the back of the bill.

This sounds about right for the new Lasting Power of Attorney, they do need to be registered with the Court of Protection, hence the court fee.

The old Enduring Powers of Attorney (up until September 2007) where much simpler and cheaper, but you can't make them anymore (although ones made before 30.09.07 are still vaild)

Sorry I work in a solicitors,
That price is around the right price, although it does vary depending where in the country you are!

Thanks everyone. I do always get paranoid that my old granny is being fleeced as she kind of switches off when faced with anything legal or financial despite otherwise being seriously smart and switched on.