The Court of Protection can appoint a Deputy when somebody is no longer able to look after their affairs for themselves. The application is made by a third party when they believe the person has already lost capacity to manage their own affairs. As with Lasting Powers of Attorney there are two different kinds of deputyship – health and welfare and property and affairs (deputies).
The Court order will set out a Deputy’s specific powers and the Deputy is supervised by the Office of Public Guardian.
Any person over the age of 18 can be a Deputy. The Court will consider whether someone is suitable to act as a Deputy when considering the appointment.
