What is the Court of Protection?

The Court of Protection is there to help people who no longer have the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. It can assist with decisions regarding their finances and property and also their general health and welfare.

As well as being able to make decisions for a person, the Court of Protection is also able to appoint someone, normally a family member or close friend, to make decisions on that person’s behalf if decisions need to be made on a constant basis.

If the Court gives this power to someone else instead of making the decisions, this person is known as a Deputy.

How do I make an application to the Court of Protection?

You are able to make an application to the Court of Protection on behalf of another if they have lost mental capacity. To put forward an application to the Court of Protection there are some forms that will need to be completed correctly together with certification from a qualified medical practitioner that is listed as being able to countersign the documents. The medical practitioner must be able to certify that the person who has lost mental capacity is completely unable to make a decision for themselves.

The forms can be rather lengthy and it is advised legal advice is taken when it comes to the preparation of such documents.  The forms must be completed completely correctly and it is important that you know exactly what powers are being applied for.

At Chadwick Lawrence we can advise you which forms are to your needs and help you to complete them to help speed up the process of the application. We can also advise you on what the best powers to apply for Will be given the situation; whether it’s assisting with the payment of bills or with their daily routine.

For advice on Court of Protections, Deputyship or any other Wills or Probate matter contact our team on 0800 015 0340 to arrange an initial free half hour appointment at any of our offices in Huddersfield, Halifax, Wakefield, Horbury, Leeds, Pudsey or Morley.