Martin Lewis is a big fan of the DIY route—if you’re confident. The official application form is free to download. You just pay the registration fee to the court.
But here’s the kicker: if you use a solicitor for a simple POA, you might pay £200 to £500 in legal fees. On top of the £45 registration fee. That’s like paying for a Michelin-star meal when you just wanted a sandwich.
Martin Lewis urges people to claim £54 Power of Attorney refund by
Lewis says, for straightforward cases, “You’re mad to pay more.” Bold words, but he’s got a point.
The “Martin Lewis Method” to Save You Cash
First, check if the person truly needs help with the form. If they’re mentally sharp and it’s just for future planning, do it yourself. Download the forms from Gov.uk.
Second, use a free guide. MoneySavingExpert.com has a step-by-step that spoon-feeds you the process. It’s like having a friend who’s done it twice before.
Third, sign it correctly. This is where people mess up. The signature rules are picky—witnesses, no crossed-out bits, a specific date order. Get it wrong and the court rejects it. That means you pay again.
Martin Lewis jokes that the signing ceremony is “more stressful than a wedding.” I’d say it’s about as fussy as a cat with a new bed.
