When a person loses the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves and does not have a valid Power of Attorney in place, the Court of Protection may need to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. This can be a difficult and emotional time for families, and the process can feel overwhelming.
At Gladstone Solicitors, our experienced Solicitors provide clear, sensitive and practical guidance to help you navigate the Court of Protection process with confidence.
We assist clients across Arnold, Nottingham and the surrounding areas, offering a calm, supportive and highly professional service.
What is the Court of Protection?
The Court of Protection is a specialist court that makes decisions for people who lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions themselves. This may be due to:
- Dementia
- Learning disabilities
- Brain injury
- Stroke
- Illness or age‑related conditions
The Court can appoint a Deputy to manage a person’s affairs, or make one‑off decisions where needed.
Deputyship Applications
If a loved one can no longer manage their affairs and has no valid Power of Attorney, you may need to apply to become their Deputy.
We can help you apply to be appointed as:
1. Property & Financial Affairs Deputy
This allows you to manage:
- Bank accounts
- Bills and day‑to‑day finances
- Property and investments
- Care fees
- Financial decisions in the person’s best interests
2. Health & Welfare Deputy
These applications are less common but may be needed where:
- There are disagreements about care
- Complex medical decisions are required
- A vulnerable person needs ongoing oversight
We will advise you on whether a Health & Welfare Deputyship is appropriate and guide you through the process.
Professional Deputy Services
Where a person has no suitable family or friends to act, or where independence and safeguarding are important, Gladstone Solicitors can act as a professional Deputy.
This can be particularly helpful where:
- There are concerns about financial abuse
- Family relationships are strained
- The estate is complex
- A vulnerable person requires ongoing protection
- A neutral, regulated professional is preferred
We take this responsibility extremely seriously and act with transparency, integrity and care.
Ongoing Deputy Support and Annual Reporting
Being a Deputy carries legal responsibilities. We can assist with:
- Annual accounts and reports to the Office of the Public Guardian
- Managing property and financial matters
- Liaising with care providers, social workers and medical professionals
- Ensuring decisions are made in the person’s best interests
- Advising on care home fees and funding
- Supporting Deputies who feel overwhelmed or unsure
We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Statutory Wills
If a person lacks capacity and their existing Will is outdated, inappropriate or missing, the Court of Protection may need to approve a Statutory Will.
We can:
- Prepare the application
- Gather evidence and valuations
- Liaise with family members and beneficiaries
- Present the proposed Will to the Court
This ensures the person’s estate is dealt with fairly and in their best interests.
Capacity Assessments and Best Interests Decisions
Our Solicitors regularly advise families on:
- Whether a person has capacity to make a decision
- How to make a “best interests” decision
- When the Court of Protection must be involved
- Disputes between family members
- Care home funding and financial decisions
We provide clear, practical advice at what can be a very stressful time.
Home, Care‑Home and Hospital Appointments
We understand that many Court of Protection matters involve vulnerable clients. We therefore offer appointments:
- At our Arnold office
- At your home
- In care homes
- In hospitals or hospices
- Via Teams or Zoom
Short‑notice appointments may be available depending on circumstances.
Fees and Price Transparency
Our fees for Court of Protection work are published in accordance with the SRA Price Transparency Rules. Full details can be found on our Price Transparency page.
We will always explain costs clearly before you decide how to proceed.
Free Initial Appointment
We offer a free, no‑obligation initial appointment to explain the Court of Protection process, answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Contact Our Court of Protection Team
📞 0115 9555 050 📧 info@gladstonesolicitors.co.uk
We are here to support you and your family with clarity, compassion and professionalism.