Deputyship Solicitors
An LPA is chosen by an individual before they lose mental capacity.
Ash Hill Solicitors
When a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves, it can be an emotional and overwhelming time. At Ash Hill Solicitors, we don’t act as deputies, but we do handle the legal process to help you appoint one.
Our experienced deputyship solicitors support families in Harrow and beyond by preparing and submitting Court of Protection applications, explaining each step clearly, and making sure your loved one’s best interests are protected. We’re here to make a complex process easier, with honest advice and compassionate guidance.
What is Deputyship?
Deputyship is a legal arrangement that can be put into place if someone becomes unable to manage their own affairs (like their money or their own health) and does not have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place.
An LPA is chosen by an individual before they lose mental capacity. In contrast, a deputy is appointed by the
Court of Protection
after a person has lost capacity. Because the court makes the decision, applying for a deputy can take longer and be more complex than setting up an LPA in advance
The deputyship solicitors team at Ash Hill Solicitors can help you with every aspect of the application, whether you’d like to work with a self-appointed deputy or request a court-appointed deputy to work with you
Lay vs Professional Deputies
What is the difference between lay deputies and professionals?
Lay Deputies
A lay deputy is usually a friend or family member who is not a legal professional. This is relatively common in practice, but the role of a deputy can be complicated and time-consuming, not to mention the emotional difficulties that may come with the role.
In many cases, it is more appropriate to appoint a professional deputy.
Professional Deputies
Professional deputies are legally appointed to manage the affairs of individuals who lack the mental capacity to do so themselves. While the deputy solicitors at Ash Hill Solicitors do not act as professional deputies, our team can guide and support you through the process of applying to the Court of Protection for a professional deputyship.
How Our Deputyship Solicitors Can Help
As you navigate this emotional time, getting the paperwork right for your deputyship application can be a hassle.
That’s where our experienced legal team comes in. Work with us to make the deputyship process as simple as possible. Ash Hill deputyship solicitors can help with:
1.) Preparing and submitting deputyship applications
2.) Collecting any required medical and financial evidence
3.) Ongoing support and guidance once deputyship is granted
Supporting Vulnerable Individuals & Their Families
At Ash Hill Solicitors, our deputyship solicitors are here to help you navigate the legal process of appointing a deputy through the Court of Protection. We don’t act as professional deputies ourselves, but we take care of the paperwork, guide you through each step, and make sure your application is accurate and well-supported.
We understand how emotional and overwhelming these situations can be. That’s why we focus on reducing the stress with clear advice, straightforward communication, and practical legal support, always with the best interests of your loved one in mind.
Why Choose Ash
Hill Solicitors
Families trust the team at Ash Hill Solicitors to provide personalised legal assistance and manage their loved ones' affairs with compassion. Integrity is at the heart of our practice, and we promise to always operate with the best interests of our clients in mind.
Our deputyship and
mediation solicitors work hard to provide accessible multilingual support (in English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Basic Arabic) to families who need help to provide the best care possible for their loved ones.
Families trust Ash Hill Solicitors for clear, compassionate legal support when a loved one loses mental capacity. Our role is to help you appoint the right deputy, guide you through the Court of Protection process, manage the paperwork, and ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
With integrity at the core of our work, our deputyship and
mediation solicitors work hard to provide accessible multilingual support (in English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Basic Arabic) to families who need help to provide the best care possible for their loved ones.
FAQs
What Does It Mean When Someone Lacks Mental Capacity?
People are said to be lacking mental capacity when they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves (often after an illness or brain injury, like a stroke).
What Is the Court of Protection?
The Court of Protection was set up under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It manages the financial affairs and welfare of people who lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves through deputies that it appoints.
How Does the Application Process Work?
The deputyship application process can be tricky to do alone. Ash Hill Solicitors can help you to complete all of the required forms and gather the medical evidence needed before submitting your application.
How Long Does It Take to Be Appointed as a Deputy?
It will normally take about 6 to 12 months for a deputyship order to be granted. Some cases are more complex than others and it can take longer for deputyship to be granted in these instances. Your Ash Hill Solicitor will be able to give you a clearer idea of the timeline you should expect in your case.
What's the Difference Between an LPA and Deputyship?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is put in place before a person loses mental capacity. Deputyship is applied for after mental capacity has already been lost. We always recommend putting an LPA in place first, but a deputyship is the right legal route to take if that wasn't possible.
