Last September,I instructed a solicitor to make arrangements for LPAs (health & welfare and propety & financial) for both my mum and dad.
After numerous telephone calls to their office, I have had a call from them today to say the final forms have been returned by the Office of the Public Guardian.
I would like to know if it is normal practice for LPAs to take so long to process (8 months) and whether the cost of £1,500 + VAT is reasonable?
The legal practice was recommended by our local Alzheimers office so I didnt shop around for other estimates as I presumed this would be sufficient and a practice with such a recommedation wouldnt be ripping us off.
We were told that my parents would qualify for a reduction in certification fees due to their low income. Apparently, the cost of this was £280, so the rest of the bill, ie £1,220 is for the legal work.
I now wish I had processed the LPAs myself but with the stress of taking care of my folks and my own family, I didnt have the time or energy to take this on.
Anyhow, I would really appreciate feedback on this matter as I would be very sad if my mum and dad were being taken advantage of. If they havent got enough to contend with without paying exorbitant legal and care home fees. At this rate they will be destitute in a very short time.
After numerous telephone calls to their office, I have had a call from them today to say the final forms have been returned by the Office of the Public Guardian.
I would like to know if it is normal practice for LPAs to take so long to process (8 months) and whether the cost of £1,500 + VAT is reasonable?
The legal practice was recommended by our local Alzheimers office so I didnt shop around for other estimates as I presumed this would be sufficient and a practice with such a recommedation wouldnt be ripping us off.
We were told that my parents would qualify for a reduction in certification fees due to their low income. Apparently, the cost of this was £280, so the rest of the bill, ie £1,220 is for the legal work.
I now wish I had processed the LPAs myself but with the stress of taking care of my folks and my own family, I didnt have the time or energy to take this on.
Anyhow, I would really appreciate feedback on this matter as I would be very sad if my mum and dad were being taken advantage of. If they havent got enough to contend with without paying exorbitant legal and care home fees. At this rate they will be destitute in a very short time.