Are online LPA services legitimate?
Yes. Reputable online LPA services are completely legitimate. They help you fill in the same official government forms that solicitors use. Once your LPA is signed and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), it is legally valid regardless of how it was created.
The GOV.UK website itself provides a free online tool for creating LPAs. Third-party online services add value by making the process easier, checking for errors, and providing guidance.
What should I check before using an online LPA service?
Not all online services are equal. Here is what to look for:
Pricing transparency
A trustworthy service clearly shows all its fees upfront. Be wary of services that:
- Hide the total cost until late in the process.
- Add unexpected charges for "processing" or "administration".
- Quote low prices that do not include the £92 OPG fee (this should be clearly stated as a separate government charge).
Use of official forms
Your LPA must be on the official government forms to be accepted by the OPG. Legitimate services generate these correct forms. If a service uses non-standard forms or templates, avoid it.
Clear description of what is included
Good services explain exactly what you get for your money — form filling, error checking, document generation, signing guidance, etc. They do not make vague promises about "complete LPA packages" without specifics.
No misleading claims about legal advice
Unless a service employs qualified solicitors, it cannot provide legal advice. Most online services (including myLPA Guide) provide information and form-filling support, not legal advice. This is perfectly fine for the vast majority of people with straightforward circumstances.
How does myLPA Guide compare?
myLPA Guide (mylpaguide.co.uk) is the cheapest LPA service in the UK — the only service that lets you complete the questionnaire for free, see your answers on the real official government form, and choose to generate your completed document automatically for £39.
Here is why myLPA Guide stands out:
- Free questionnaire — try before you buy. Complete all the questions at no cost.
- Official form preview — see your answers on the real government form before paying.
- Transparent pricing — £39 per document or £69 for both. No hidden fees.
- Error checking — automatic checking for common mistakes.
- Optional extras clearly priced — signing guide (£67), print and post (£25).
What are the red flags to watch for?
Avoid online LPA services that:
- Charge hundreds of pounds for what is essentially form-filling — you may as well use a solicitor for that price.
- Require upfront payment before you can see the questionnaire or forms.
- Claim to "guarantee" registration — no one can guarantee the OPG will accept your LPA, as it depends on correct signing and valid participants.
- Have no clear contact information or company details on their website.
- Bundle unnecessary services like will-writing or insurance into the LPA price.
Is an LPA created online as valid as one from a solicitor?
Absolutely. The OPG does not distinguish between LPAs created by solicitors, online services, or individuals using the government tool. All that matters is that the form is completed correctly, signed in the right order, and submitted with the £92 registration fee.
A solicitor's involvement does not make the LPA "more legal" or "more valid." The same form is used, and the same registration process applies.
Do I need a solicitor instead?
Most people do not need a solicitor for a standard LPA. A solicitor is beneficial if you have complex circumstances, such as business ownership, overseas assets, or family disputes. For more on this, read our guide on whether you need a solicitor for an LPA.
For straightforward LPAs, start your free LPA questionnaire and see how simple the process can be.