Appointing a deputy in the Court of Protection

Award winning team of deputyship lawyers

What is a Deputy?

A deputy is appointed by the Court of Protection to manage the affairs of someone who lacks the mental capacity to make decisions about their property, financial affairs and other matters. A deputy can be:

• A friend or relative
• The local authority
• A deputyship lawyer
   

The Court appoints a deputy only when someone lacks capacity and there is no Enduring Power of Attorney or Lasting Power of Attorney in place.

What is the difference between a Lasting Power of Attorney and a Court of Protection Deputyship?

A Lasting Power of Attorney is made by the person before he or she loses capacity. A Court of Protection Deputyship application is made by someone else after the person loses capacity.

How our Court of Protection lawyers can help with Deputyship matters

• Act as a professional Deputy to administer the property and financial affairs of the person who lacks capacity
• Assist with applications to the Court of Protection for a relative or friend to be appointed as a lay Deputy
• Support lay Deputies through the decision making process by advising on legal matters
• Advise and assist Deputies with applications to the Court of Protection for statutory wills, gifts, and property transactions
• Provide an expert witness service
   

Why choose Thomson Snell & Passmore

We have one of the largest specialist teams of deputyship lawyers in the country, offering a personal and tailored service that few firms undertaking this work can provide.

Eddie Fardell, Martin Terrell and Brian Bacon are highly regarded experts, with over 50 years experience between them. Eddie and Martin are both on the Court of Protection User Group and Martin Terrell is on the panel of external Deputies. All three regularly receive direct referrals from the Court of Protection and other professionals.

Our deputyship lawyers provide straightforward, practical advice and have the experience to ensure we secure the best possible outcome for a vulnerable or elderly person who lacks mental capacity.

We have particular experience in dealing with issues for severely disabled clients (including people with brain injuries and birth injuries) and managing large personal injury or clinical negligence awards. We also manage the affairs of many elderly clients suffering from dementia.

Further help

www.gov.uk/court-of-protection

www.justice.gov.uk/about/opg

Free initial consultation

Call us on 01892 510000 to arrange a free initial consultation where we will clearly explain the options and the processes involved.