So how do I sort Power of Attorney for my parents without spending a thousand quid...?

[smee]

They want to do it, I think it's sensible but their solicitor has quoted £1000, which seems a shocking amount. Or is it reasonable? Has anybody done it? DH and I did it before the law changed and it cost a fraction of that.

blimey, Idid it for a £20 quid once when I had to sign a lease for my flatmate who was unavailable. So I would try another solicitor.

Maybe they are thinking of doing a whole singing and dancing one, but I can't think it should cost that much.

Oops, just seen the law has changed. How does it work now?

Still, worth shopping around, I'm sure there are plenty of cash strapped solicitors willing to do a deal in these hard times.

That's what I thought too, but the law change has made it far more hefty. Thought someone on here might have done it more recently and know a more reasonable fee.

I'm pretty sure they sell a diy pack in wh smith.

The forms. However, it looks as though the fee for registration with the Office of the Public Guardian is £120. I remember hearing that the average fee if you used professional help was now around £400.

Thanks all. Lilymaid, thanks for that link. I Googled a bit ago so had tumbled on it already. Is it just me or does Office of the Public Guardian sound a bit Stalinist. I've sent them an e-saying asking if we just fill them in with no legal advice will it be legally binding. I'll let you know what they say. Might contact the Law Society and see if they give basic guidance on fees too - £1000 sounds like such a rip off for what must basically be standard form filling.