The Court of Protection was set up to assist people who are not capable of making their own decisions, due to a mental incapacity. Decisions are made for them regarding their finances, health and any other legal matters which could have a lasting impact on their lives.
In 2015, the Court of Protection ruled that a mentally challenged woman with an IQ of 70 was to be sterilised. She already had six children and another pregnancy would have put her life, and the life of her unborn child, in serious danger, due to the thinning of her Uterus.
A Court of Protection Deputy is a usually a friend or relative of the person who is not able to make decisions. If you are not a direct relative, you may need to go through the courts to become an official deputy.
It’s also not unheard of for a deputy to be a trusted solicitor, which is beneficial if the decisions that need to be made require a knowledge of the law.
It’s up to the court to decide what decisions you can make as a deputy, but it is possible for you to apply through the court for more power over the decisions in the future. This is especially relevant if your friend or relative has a deteriorating disease such as Alzheimer’s.
In cases where your friend or relative may suffer physical, mental or financial harm in the near future, it is possible to make an emergency Court of Protection application. In these instances, it’s advisable that you seek legal assistance with the application. We can help with getting these types of forms completed quickly.
To apply for the Court of Protection, you will need to fill out some forms to give more information about the person and your relationship to them. You’ll also need to provide a doctor’s certificate with details of why they cannot make their own decisions.
Don’t be tempted to rush the forms. Sometimes it can take a long time to get all of the correct information for a successful application. If any of the information on the forms is incorrect, the forms will be sent back.
For more information on applying for Court of Protection, and more information on being a deputy, contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible
If you are interested or require any information on any of our services then please get in touch for an appointment on:
Watsons Solicitors is determined to continue delivering excellency after earning the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) accreditation. Issued by the Law Society, the esteemed title signifies best practice for providing wills and estate administration advice and evaluates staff expertise, communication skills, and standardised processes. Employees must complete online training provided by the Law Society […]
Megan Bentley is the latest fresh face to join Watsons Solicitors’ family law department as she seeks to advance her career. Since starting her role as a paralegal in February, the Skelmersdale-native has been working closely alongside the team drafting orders and C2 applications, while also managing legal aid applications. The 19-year-old brings with her […]
“We can prove with numbers the impact Watsons Solicitors has had but it’s the long-lasting connections, smiles, and laughter that’s difficult to quantify.” This is just some of the overwhelmingly positive feedback from Warrington Wolves Community Foundation CEO Neil Kelly following support from Watsons for its health and wellbeing community programmes. Alongside the charity, the […]
A Cheshire-based family law solicitor believes that January being dubbed ‘divorce month’ is primarily down to the strains of domestic life. Danny Hudson, partner and a member of the family department at Watsons Solicitors, says his team sees an increase in couples filing for separation at the start of each year. However, he’s acutely aware […]
Watsons Solicitors is a trading name of Watsons Solicitors Warrington LLP a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales registered number OC386012 whose registered office is 13 Bold Street, Warrington, WA1 1DJ.
Watsons Solicitors Warrington LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority number 598547.
Watsons Solicitors
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1DJ