Professional Deputyship Services
What is a deputy and why appoint one?
Where an individual is not capable of making certain decisions for themselves they are deemed to lack ‘capacity’ in that area. In that case the Court of Protection can appoint a deputy to make those decisions which the client lacks the capacity to make. A deputy is responsible for making decisions for someone until either the person they are looking after dies, is able to make decisions on their own again, or until someone else takes over as deputy.
The appointment is made to afford the deputy with a sufficient amount of authority so that they can make determinations without the need to defer to the Court each time a decision needs to be made, as this would be time consuming, expensive and could result in unnecessary and potentially damaging delays to the client. However, a deputy has a wide range of legal and moral responsibilities towards the client and therefore, despite not involving the Court each time a decision is made, a deputy will need to carefully consider all of the available information, as well as follow certain principles, when they act on the client’s behalf.
What types of deputyship are there?
There are two distinct areas within the Court of Protection where a deputy can be appointed to act: either in relation to a person’s property and financial affairs or their personal health and welfare.
There can be more than one person appointed as deputy for each type, or one deputy can be appointed to look after both aspects of the client’s life (although this is not very common).
A property and affairs deputyship appointment is more common because the issues tend to be fairly straightforward, less subjective and more suited to a general power of management and administration. Health and welfare deputyship orders can be, and are, made but these are less common because often the issues involved are more complex and they can often be the subject of intense disagreement, usually involving family members but also including the local authority, NHS and other third party professionals.
We act as professional deputies under both types of Order, but more commonly in relation to a person’s property and affairs.
A health and welfare deputyship may be required to enable a deputy to make general welfare decisions on the incapacitated person’s behalf which do not justify an application to Court on every occasion. These decisions will usually relate to routine medical treatment, the administration of medication and matters relating to general day to day living. Where a more important welfare decision needs to be made, including issues relating to the contact a client has with family members or friends, where that person may live and what serious medical treatment or care they may receive, an application will still generally need to be made to the Court seeking an order or declaration.
Click here to download our factsheet for more detail regarding professional deputyships.
If you would like to discuss the appointment of a professional deputy then please contact us for further information.
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Client Testimonials
“No one sets out to be divorced, it is the most painful experience I have ever been through; and to be honest, although this sounds cliched, I don’t think I would have survived it without the support and guidance of Natalia. Much more than just a solicitor she was more like a colleague, a friend, an allied, someone in my corner. When I was blinded by pain, grief or anger Natalia was there as a sounding board and a voice a reason to ensure that the future for me and my two beautiful children was secure. Honest, professional and reliable throughout the whole process I felt I could call on her at anytime. I felt supported and confident in my decisions, fully informed by Natalia’s expertise. I’m proud to say that my ex husband and I managed to settle financial and family matters outside of court and without the need for costly mitigation due to the advice and guidance I received from Natalia. I hope I never have to go through the process again, but if I did I would call on Natalia and EMG solicitors again in a heartbeat.”
A first class service. Eilish Ferry-Kennington was excellent.
We were very pleased with the attention and service we received from Ms Turnbull. She was friendly and professional.She listened to our requirements and explained the possible options clearly and in language we could understand. The will-writing and further consultation with us was timely and efficient. The outcome met our expectations and more, and we are very grateful for the assistance we received from Ms Turnbull.
Ursula spoke at great length with me offering advice all the way. She was a great help. Not many would have been as engaging, or helpful. Contacting a solicitor can be a daunting experience but Ursula was really friendly.
Hi Julia. Thank you so much for all your efforts to help me . I have to say this would not have happened without you! You are all an amazing team and I really feel you all care !! So thankful to pat for recommending you all , she’s such a lovely lady . Our house is beautiful and we are on cloud 9! And more to the point, I’m finally rid of that bully for good! I would highly recommend you and your team to anyone! Thanks a million! JW.
I would like to say a sincere thanks to Jemma and EMG for helping me through a difficult time with a long term tenant who, through ill health was unable to carry on paying the rent and has since moved on to long term care, via the court of protection.
If Jemma hadn’t become involved and guided me through the difficult procedures to recover the arrears and regain the possession, I think we may have been struggling through without resolution for many months or even years.
I would certainly recommend Jemma and EMG to others in this position as you get the feeling that they really do care about your problems, but also in a very professional manner too.
“Thanks to Sam, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you again for your time. I certainly will recommend you and EMG for your professionalism and your kindness.” D. Rutter
“ Jemma – I just wanted you know how grateful I am for all your help and assistance at the tribunal, also your concern and caring manner you always have for us all.”
Thank you also for Richard, 100% agree with all your past clients, he so easy to work with, keeps you updated, fast and in general made the whole process (almost; as much as can be when buying a house ?) stress free!