Guidance

Court of Protection: personal welfare application (COP GN4)

When and how to make a ‘personal welfare application’ for the power to make a decision for someone who lacks mental capacity.

From:
HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Published
1 December 2017

Documents

Making a personal welfare application to the Court of Protection (COP GN4)

PDF, 252 KB, 7 pages

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Details

This guidance explains how to use the 5 principles of the Mental Capacity Act to make decisions about the health and welfare of someone who lacks mental capacity.

It also explains that you may need to make a ‘personal welfare application’ to the Court of Protection, for example, if:

  • a decision concerns treatment to which the person cannot consent
  • a decision is difficult or complex
  • someone disagrees with a course of action
  • the person needs ongoing help with decisions relating to personal health and welfare

You might be able to apply for help with Court of Protection fees.

Updates to this page

Published 1 December 2017

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