Power of Attorney Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of creating durable financial and healthcare powers of attorney with an attorney or online service.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
A Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need expensive court guardianship proceedings ($5,000-$15,000+).
The Formula
Total = (Per-Document Cost × Complexity × Number of Documents) + Notarization + Certified Copies
Variables
- Per-Document — Base cost per POA document ($25 DIY to $350+ attorney)
- Complexity — Standard is 1×, complex (springing, limited powers) is 1.5×
- Guardianship — Court-ordered alternative costs $5,000-$15,000+ and takes months
Example
Both POAs through attorney, standard complexity: $350 × 2 = $700 + $50 notary + $20 copies = $770 total. Vs $5,000+ guardianship = $4,230 savings.
Tips
- A "durable" POA survives your incapacity — make sure your document says "durable" explicitly.
- A "springing" POA only activates upon incapacity, but proving incapacity can cause delays.
- Give certified copies to your agents, doctors, banks, and financial institutions ahead of time.
- Review and update POAs every 3-5 years — some institutions reject documents over 5 years old.
- Name a successor agent in case your primary agent is unable or unwilling to serve.