Specialist Court of Protection Solicitors in Warrington
When someone lacks mental capacity and cannot make their own choices, their rights need legal protection.
If there is no valid Power of Attorney in place, the law treats that person as a Protected Person. In these situations, the Court of Protection can grant authority for another person, called a Deputy, to make important decisions on their behalf. Deputies may handle everyday matters as well as larger financial or health and welfare issues.
At AFG Law, our experienced Court of Protection Solicitors in Warrington provide clear, supportive guidance. While our offices are based in Greater Manchester, our private client team works with people and their families across England and Wales, both in person and remotely.
What is the Court of Protection?
The Court of Protection is a specialist court established under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It deals with cases where someone cannot make decisions for themselves due to conditions such as dementia, brain injury, severe learning difficulties, or mental illness.
The court may:
- Appoint a Deputy or confirm an Attorney to act for someone who lacks capacity.
- Authorise one-off actions, such as selling a home or investing assets.
- Decide on deprivation of liberty matters in care settings.
- Approve medical treatment, including life-sustaining procedures.
In every case, its guiding principle is that decisions must always be made in the person’s best interests.
What is a Professional Deputy?
Sometimes, instead of a relative, the Court will appoint a Professional Deputy to make sure that an individual who lacks capacity receives impartial, expert support.
Our solicitors regularly act as Professional Deputies, offering specialist legal advice and making decisions on behalf of vulnerable individuals. We can:
- Pay bills, manage income, and oversee investments.
- Make decisions about care arrangements and accommodation.
- Apply for permission to sell property or release funds.
- File tax returns and ensure funds are used in the best interests of the Protected Person
Appointing a solicitor in this role ensures that families benefit from independent advice and the reassurance that legal duties are being properly carried out.
Why Appoint a Deputy or Solicitor?
If the Court decides someone lacks capacity, it can appoint a Deputy to manage their affairs. A Deputy may be a trusted family member, a close friend, or a professional solicitor.
Choosing a solicitor has clear advantages:
- You receive tailored legal advice on complex issues.
- A solicitor understands the Court’s rules and can guide you through the process.
- Urgent Court of Protection applications can be handled quickly.
- A solicitor can work with social services, care providers, and medical teams to ensure the individual’s interests are properly protected.
Where significant assets or property are involved, appointing a Professional Deputy provides added reassurance.
What Can Deputies Be Responsible For?
Deputies may be given authority in two main areas:
Property and financial affairs
- Managing bank accounts, pensions, and investments.
- Paying bills, mortgages, or rent.
- Dealing with insurance and the sale or purchase of property.
- Preparing budgets so funds support long-term care.
Health and welfare
- Deciding on living arrangements or care homes.
- Consenting to medical treatment or therapies.
- Handling deprivation of liberty issues fairly and lawfully.
- Liaising with doctors, carers, and social workers.
Other Legal Matters We Support
The Court of Protection also covers related areas, including:
- Statutory Wills – where someone cannot make their own Will, the Court can approve a version reflecting what they would likely have wanted.
- Enduring Powers of Attorney – we can help register or challenge older documents still in use.
- Emergency applications to the Court – for urgent medical treatment or safeguarding, the Court can make interim orders within hours.
Why Choose AFG Law’s Warrington Court of Protection Solicitors?
We know that Court of Protection issues often arise during stressful times. Families may feel overwhelmed by decisions about care, finances, or medical treatment. Our role is to make the legal process easier, explain everything in plain English, and ensure that the Protected Person is fully protected.
Whether you need help applying to become a Deputy, managing complex financial matters, or dealing with Office of the Public Guardian reporting requirements, our team is here to help.
If you need expert advice about caring for a loved one who lacks capacity, contact our Court of Protection solicitors in Warrington today.
You can contact us via email at privateclients@afglaw.co.uk or call us on 01204 920106.
With offices in Bolton, Bury, and Stockport, we are well placed to support clients in Warrington and across the North West. Families across England and Wales trust AFG Law for practical solutions, careful planning, and compassionate support.
