Court of Protection Solicitors

What is court of protection?

The Court of Protection is a court based in London and they deal specifically with making decisions for people who lack mental capacity to make their own decisions regarding financial or welfare matters at the time they need to be made. 

If a person lacks capacity to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (a document appointing a person(s) to make decisions on their behalf), an application can be made to the COP to appoint a Deputy instead.

What does a court of protection do?

The COP is responsible for:

• making decisions regarding an individual's mental capacity 
• appointing Deputies to make ongoing decisions for people who lack mental capacity
• giving people permission to make one-off decisions on behalf of someone else who lacks mental capacity
• handling urgent or emergency applications where a decision must be made on behalf of someone else without delay
• making decisions about the lasting power of attorney or enduring power of attorney and considering any objections to their registration
• considering applications to make statutory wills or gifts
• making decisions about when someone can be deprived of their liberty under the Mental Capacity Act

How we can help?

We are able to offer clear advice on the procedure, the options available to them and guide people through the process of obtaining the relevant order.

An individual who has lost mental capacity cannot create a Lasting Power of Attorney. The only option for the relatives of such an individual in these circumstances is to apply to the Court of Protection for an order appointing them as Deputy of the individual’s affairs.

Clients in this situation often have a lot to deal with ensuring the individual in question is receiving proper care and all their needs are met.

We can take over and manage the whole application process to ensure that the matter is dealt with as smoothly as possible.

We can assist clients with the following:

• Making an application to be appointed a Deputy to make decisions regarding finance and property affairs on behalf on an individual.
• Making one off applications to the Court of Protection regarding specific issues affecting an incapacitated individual.
• Advising on the responsibilities and obligations of a Deputy and assisting in the completion of Deputy reports.
• Making applications for a Statutory Will including preparing forms and statements to be submitted to the court.
• Advising respondents in applications for Statutory Wills.

• We have been ranked as a Top Tier law firm by the Legal 500 for the last seven years, and Myerson is recognised as a Top 200 UK law firm.
• You will have access to Myerson's full Wills, Trusts, and Probate experts; we have a large team capable of meeting your deadlines.
• When dealing with estates, we never forget that we are dealing with a grieving family, so our solicitors are tactile when handling a deceased person's estate.
• Our Wills, Trusts and Probate lawyers understand that estate administration can be complex, particularly when disputes arise.
• Our Wills, Trusts, and Probate solicitors appreciate that every person's circumstances are different, and our clients have different attitudes to tax saving and the distribution of their estates, so we take the time to find the best way to achieve our client’s aims.
• Our holistic approach means we can spot potential tax-saving opportunities the client may need to know. We can also warn where the client's proposals may lead to unexpected tax liabilities.
• You will receive city-quality trusts, wills, and probate advice at regional prices.
• We provide a partner-led service to ensure you receive the best legal advice and commercially minded support.
• Our personal service will prioritise your best interests as we push to fulfil your and your loved one's wishes. We understand the depth of emotion that matters relating to final wishes can hold, so we provide expert advice, support, and understanding.
• Our full-service law firm operates from a one-site office, so our teams communicate effectively and efficiently, sharing their considerable expertise. We may consult with our family law and property law teams to maintain an efficient and complete service.
• Our Wills, Trusts and Probate team works closely with our contested wills solicitors to ensure you get expert legal advice from specialist solicitors.
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