Tony Legal Support · Sunderland
Court of Protection support, explained clearly.
Practical help with deputyship applications, evidence organisation and Court of Protection paperwork when someone cannot make particular decisions for themselves.
Prefer to speak to us? 0191 565 6055
When might help be needed?
Usually when ongoing decisions need to be made and no suitable authority already exists.
If a valid LPA or EPA already covers the decisions concerned, a deputy is not usually needed. The Court of Protection can also make one-off decisions, so deputyship is not the only possible route.
Property & financial affairs
For ongoing decisions about money, bills, bank accounts, property, investments and other financial matters.
Personal welfare
For certain ongoing decisions about care, medical treatment or where someone lives. The court appoints personal welfare deputies less routinely.
One-off or urgent decisions
Sometimes the court can make a specific decision rather than appointing a deputy with ongoing authority.
Free first-steps checker
See which questions need answering before you start.
This does not assess mental capacity or tell you which legal application you must make. It is a preparation tool to help you organise the situation before contacting us.
Open the full guideYour practical next step
Tell Tony Legal Support about the situationWhat we can help with
Preparing the application and evidence.
- Discussing the circumstances and application being considered
- Helping identify the forms, information and supporting documents required
- Assisting with Court of Protection application paperwork
- Organising evidence about the person's circumstances and capacity
- Helping with notification requirements and correspondence
- Practical administration during the application process
- Explaining when specialist legal advice or representation may be required
Important scope
Tony Legal Support provides paralegal and practical support. We do not act as solicitors or barristers, conduct reserved legal activities or provide court representation. If the matter is disputed, urgent, legally complex or requires advocacy, we will explain when an authorised specialist should be involved.
Current fees
Know the likely costs before you proceed.
Our professional fee for deputyship application support, depending on complexity and the work required.
Current Court of Protection application fee. A further £266 hearing fee applies if the court holds a hearing and makes a final decision.
After appointment
OPG currently charges a £100 assessment fee and annual supervision of £320 for general supervision or £35 for qualifying minimal supervision. A security bond may also be required for a property and financial affairs deputy.
Court and OPG fees are separate from Tony Legal Support's professional fees and can change. Fee exemptions or reductions may be available in some circumstances.
Personal welfare applications
These applications need particular care.
Current GOV.UK guidance says the court will usually only appoint a personal welfare deputy where there is a specific reason for ongoing authority, for example doubt that decisions will be made in the person's best interests or where somebody needs authority over a particular issue over time.
If you are considering a personal welfare application, we would review the circumstances before confirming the support we can provide.
Tell us what is happening
Ask us about a Court of Protection application.
You do not need to know the correct form or application type. Give us a short outline and we can explain whether our practical support may be suitable and what the next step could be.
Prefer to call? 0191 565 6055.
Your questions answered
Court of Protection FAQs
What is a deputy?
A deputy is appointed by the Court of Protection to make specified decisions for someone who lacks mental capacity to make those decisions themselves. The court order sets out exactly what the deputy can and cannot do.
Do I need a deputy if there is already an LPA?
Usually not if a valid LPA or EPA already provides the necessary authority for the decision concerned. It is important to check what the existing document actually covers.
Does every application need a hearing?
No. Property and financial affairs applications do not usually require a hearing, although the court may order one depending on the circumstances.
Can the court make one decision without appointing a deputy?
Yes. The Court of Protection can make one-off decisions, including urgent or emergency decisions in appropriate circumstances.
What happens after a deputy is appointed?
The deputy must act within the court order, follow the relevant duties and normally report to the Office of the Public Guardian each year. OPG supervision fees apply.
Can Tony Legal Support represent me in court?
No. We provide paralegal and practical support and do not act as solicitors or barristers or conduct reserved legal activities. If representation or specialist legal advice is needed, we will explain that.
Free first-steps guide
Use our free Court of Protection First Steps Guide to organise the information you already have before deciding what to do next.
Read the free guideOfficial guidance: Become a deputy - GOV.UK · Deputyship fees - GOV.UK
Tony Legal Support is a trading style of Paralegal Services Sunderland Ltd. We provide paralegal and legal support services and are not a firm of solicitors.