We believe in complete transparency when it comes to fees. Below you’ll find a full breakdown of our pricing by assessment type, along with information on VAT, travel costs, and what’s included in every report.
All assessments are conducted by independent psychiatrists — not social workers or nurses. This distinction matters for the quality of your report and its standing in legal proceedings.
Fee Schedule by Assessment Type
| Assessment Type | Fee (excl. VAT) | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| COP3 (Court of Protection) Assessment | From £500 | 72 hours |
| PA14 / Executor Lacks Mental Capacity | From £500 | 72 hours |
| Testamentary Capacity (Will-Making) | From £600 | 72 hours |
| Equity Release Capacity Assessment | From £600 | 72 hours |
| LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) Capacity | From £600 | 72 hours |
| Capacity to Make a Gift | From £600 | 72 hours |
| Sale of Property Capacity Assessment | From £600 | 72 hours |
| Litigation Capacity Certificate | From £1,000 | 72 hours |
| Litigation Capacity Report (CPR Part 35) | From £1,500–£2,000 | 72 hours |
| Retrospective Capacity Assessment | From £2,000 | Case-dependent |
All fees are subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%). An invoice will be provided with every instruction.
What’s Included in Every Assessment Fee
- A full clinical interview with the individual being assessed (in-person or via secure video)
- A written medico-legal report meeting CPR Part 35 requirements
- Application of the relevant legal test (e.g., Banks v Goodfellow for testamentary capacity; the Mental Capacity Act 2005 two-stage test for all other assessments)
- An independent psychiatrist’s professional opinion stated to the appropriate legal standard
- Report delivery within 72 hours of assessment
Travel & Home Visit Fees
We offer UK-wide coverage. Where an in-person assessment is required at a care home, hospital, or residential address, a mileage-based travel supplement applies. This will always be calculated and quoted to you in writing before you confirm the instruction — there are no surprise charges.
Remote video assessment: No travel charge. Available for suitable cases — contact us to discuss suitability.
Payment Terms
- Solicitors and professional referrers: Payment is due on receipt of invoice.
- Standalone private clients (without legal instruction): Payment is required in advance of the assessment.
- We accept bank transfer (BACS) and card payment.
- A VAT receipt is issued on payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VAT charged on mental capacity assessments?
Yes. Our fees are subject to VAT at 20%. All prices listed above are exclusive of VAT.
Do you charge for cancellations?
Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the assessment: no charge. Cancellations within 48 hours: 50% of the assessment fee may be charged to cover assessor time. We will always try to reschedule where possible.
Can I get a fixed-fee quote?
Yes. Contact us with the type of assessment required, the individual’s location, and any relevant background information. We will provide a written fee estimate before you instruct.
Why are your fees higher than some other providers?
Our assessments are conducted by independent psychiatrists — GMC-registered, holding the MRCPsych or equivalent, with specialist expertise in medico-legal reporting. Reports authored by psychiatrists carry considerably greater evidential weight in contested legal proceedings than those produced by social workers, nurses, or occupational therapists. In a disputed matter, this distinction can be decisive.
Ready to instruct? Call us on 0800 970 5174 or email hello@mentalcapacityassess.co.uk.