Apply for a one-off decision from the Court of Protection

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What happens next

You’ll hear from the Court of Protection after you’ve ‘served notice’ (told other people you’ve applied).

The court will tell you if:

  • your application’s been approved or rejected
  • you have to provide more information to support your application, for example a report from social services
  • it’s going to hold a hearing to make a decision, and when and where it’ll take place

If there’s a hearing

You must attend the hearing. You’ll get a letter with a hearing date (‘notice’) if the court decides to have a hearing.

You must tell the person you’re getting a decision for about the hearing:

  • within 14 days of getting the notice
  • at least 14 days before the date of the hearing

Fill in the notice about proceedings (COP14) and give it to the person you’re getting a decision for. Use the guidance notes if you need help.

The person can contact the Court of Protection for advice and assistance - you must explain this to them.

Court of Protection
[email protected]
Telephone: 0300 456 4600
Find out about call charges

Send a certificate of service (COP20A) to the Court of Protection within 7 days of when you told the person.

You must pay £500 if the court makes a final decision at the hearing.

Get a decision

If there’s a hearing, you’ll get a decision at it or afterwards by post.

You’ll get a decision by post if there is not a hearing.

Challenge a decision

You can apply to the court for the decision to be reconsidered if it was made without a hearing - use form (COP9).

You must apply within 21 days of the date the decision was made.

Appeal a decision

You must ask for permission to appeal if there was a hearing. Download and fill in the appellants’ notice (COP35).

You must pay £230. You can apply for help paying the fee if you’re getting certain benefits or on a low income.