What is deputyship?

A Deputyship Order is a legal document issued by the Court of Protection that allows someone to make decisions on behalf of an individual who no longer has the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves and did not have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place.

There are two main types of deputyship:

• Property and Financial Affairs Deputyship – for managing bank accounts, paying bills, pensions and selling property if required.
• Health and Welfare Deputyship – for making decisions about medical treatment and care arrangements (granted less frequently).

To become a deputy, you must apply to the Court of Protection. The process can be complex and time-consuming, often involving detailed forms, supporting evidence and an ongoing duty to report how decisions are made.

what is power of attorney

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This can cover financial matters, health and care decisions, or both, depending on the type of Power of Attorney you create.

​If a person has lost the mental capacity to make decisions and does not have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, we can assist in applying to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order. A deputy is appointed by the court to make decisions on behalf of someone who is no longer able to do so themselves.

​At Alletsons Solicitors, we can guide you through the deputyship application process, ensuring everything is completed correctly and with as little stress as possible.

we can help you if:

• You are caring for a relative or friend who can no longer make decisions for themselves
• You are concerned that someone close to you has lost mental capacity
• You want to support a loved one who is unable to manage their own affairs

Based in Bridgwater, we assist clients throughout Somerset with clear, practical advice on Deputyship Orders.

​If you're unsure about what steps to take, contact our team today to discuss your situation. We're here to help.

01278 456621 - option 2