A power of attorney costs $35 to $929 per document in 2026
A power of attorney costs $35 to $929 per document in 2026. Online forms start low. LegalZoom lists $39 for a basic one and $49 for a premium one. Legal Templates says a lawyer typically charges $400 to $929, and a general financial one runs $200 to $500. AgingCare says many lawyers charge under $200 in most cities. Notary fees are small and extra.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| LegalZoom | LegalZoom's own page lists a basic power of attorney at $39 and a premium one at $49. |
| Legal Templates | Legal Templates says a lawyer typically charges $400 to $929, do it yourself options cost $35 to $150, and notary fees are $10 to $50. |
| AgingCare | AgingCare says a power of attorney costs less than $200 from a lawyer in most cities, templates cost under $50, and notaries charge $2 to $10 per signature. |
Power of attorney prices by option
| Option | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Basic online form | $39 | LegalZoom |
| Premium online form | $49 | LegalZoom |
| Do it yourself online options | $35 to $150 | Legal Templates |
| Limited power of attorney, lawyer | $150 to $400 | Legal Templates |
| General financial power of attorney, lawyer | $200 to $500 | Legal Templates |
| Lawyer, typical total | $400 to $929 | Legal Templates |
| Lawyer, in most cities | Under $200 | AgingCare |
| Notary fee | $10 to $50 | Legal Templates |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Lawyer or online form | A form you fill in yourself costs far less. LegalZoom lists $39 to $49, while Legal Templates lists lawyer fees of $400 to $929. |
| Type of power of attorney | Limited ones are simpler than general ones. Legal Templates lists limited at $150 to $400 and general financial at $200 to $500 from a lawyer. |
| Where you live | State rules and local rates change the price. Legal Templates lists total costs of $502 in Alabama, $584 in Arizona, and $797 in California. |
| Notary fees | Most states need a notary to watch you sign. Legal Templates lists $10 to $50 extra, and AgingCare says notaries charge $2 to $10 per signature. |
| Extra legal help | A lawyer may bundle the form with a will or trust. Legal Templates lists estate planning packages at $500 to $2,000. |
What the price includes
An online price usually covers the form and some help filling it in. A lawyer price covers advice on which type to use, the drafting, and a review before you sign. Notary fees, copies, and recording fees are often extra. Consult fees and hourly charges also add up if your case is not simple. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
You can get a power of attorney from an online service, a lawyer, or a free state form. Online services charge a set price. Lawyers charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, and Legal Templates lists $150 to $500 per hour. A notary charges a small fee for each signature, and AgingCare lists $2 to $10. Legal Templates says retainers run $500 to $2,000, which fits bigger estate cases more than a single form. Ask for the full price before you start.
When you need this
You need one when you want a person you trust to handle money or health choices if you cannot. People often sign one before surgery, a long trip, or old age. Sign it while you are well, because it must be signed while you can still understand it. A lawyer can help if your family or money is complex.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the price covers drafting, review, and the notary.
- Ask which type you need, limited or general.
- Ask if your state needs witnesses as well as a notary.
- Ask what the lawyer charges for changes later.
- Compare the total with the range above: $35 to $929 per document for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Use an online form for simple needs. LegalZoom lists $39 and $49, and AgingCare says templates often cost under $50.
- Check for free state forms. AgingCare says some states offer free fillable forms, and local legal aid offices may help at no charge.
- Ask a lawyer for a flat fee. AgingCare says many lawyers charge under $200 for a power of attorney, so you do not have to pay by the hour.
- Ask your bank or credit union about a free notary. Many offer this to members, which can save you the $10 to $50 Legal Templates lists.
- Ask if a package costs less than each paper alone. Legal Templates lists estate planning packages at $500 to $2,000.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from LegalZoom, Legal Templates and AgingCare. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to get a power of attorney?
Legal Templates says a lawyer typically charges $400 to $929. AgingCare says under $200 in most cities. LegalZoom lists $39 and $49 online.
How much does a power of attorney cost online?
LegalZoom lists $39 for basic and $49 for premium. Legal Templates lists do it yourself options at $35 to $150. AgingCare says templates often cost under $50.
How much does a notary charge for a power of attorney?
Legal Templates lists $10 to $50. AgingCare says $2 to $10 per signature, plus travel fees if the notary comes to you.
How much does a lawyer charge by the hour for this?
Legal Templates lists $150 to $500 per hour. AgingCare says many lawyers charge under $200 for the whole document.
Is a general or limited power of attorney cheaper?
Legal Templates lists limited ones at $150 to $400 and general financial ones at $200 to $500. Limited papers cover fewer tasks.