How to Apply for a Financial Deputyship
- Apr 17
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 20
A Clear Step-by-Step Guide
If someone close to you loses the ability to manage their finances due to a lack of mental capacity—and no Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is in place—don’t worry, there’s still a way forward. A Financial Deputyship can ensure their financial affairs are handled effectively
This guide simplifies the process and provides everything you need to know to make an online application.
What Is a Financial Deputyship?
A Financial Deputyship gives you legal authority to manage someone’s money and property when they cannot do so themselves. This could include tasks such as:
💰 Paying bills and handling their bank accounts.
📈 Managing pensions, benefits, or income sources.
🏡 Overseeing investments or selling property when necessary.
It’s an essential legal tool for safeguarding the financial stability of someone who no longer has the capacity to make these decisions independently.
Who Can Apply?
Deputyships are typically requested by:
Close relatives, friends, or carers.
Professionals, such as the local authority (social workers), solicitors, when appropriate.
As a deputy, you’re legally required to act in the person’s best interests and keep thorough records of all financial decisions and transactions
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Financial Deputyship
Step 1: Download the Necessary Forms
To start your application, you’ll need to complete the following forms, which can be downloaded from the UK government website: Court of Protection forms and guidance - GOV.UK
Step 2: COP3 - Arrange a Mental Capacity Assessment
The starting point for any deputy application is proving the person cannot manage their property and financial affairs. This requires a Mental Capacity assessment, which provides key evidence for the Court of Protection.
📝 Why it’s needed:
To submit an application to become a property and affairs deputy, you must provide evidence of the person’s inability to manage their property and finances. This is done through the completion of a COP3 form.
💼 How to arrange it:
Find a qualified professional, such as a doctor, social worker, or independent mental health nurse (e.g. through CooperCare Consultancy).
✍️ Complete the COP3 form:
You, as the applicant, fill in the first part of the form, including the person’s basic details and outlining any practicable steps you know of to help the person make their own decisions. For example, this might involve identifying any support or tools that could aid them during the assessment. It can also help to guide the assessor toward any medical professionals or family members who can provide relevant insights.
👩⚕️ The professional’s role:
The professional will conduct the assessment to determine if the person can understand, weigh, and make decisions about their finances.
They will complete the remaining sections of the COP3 form and then return it to you.
Step 3: Notify People
🧑Tell the person you’re applying to be a deputy for: You must visit the person and tell them:
Who’s applying to be their deputy
That their ability to make decisions is being questioned
What having a deputy would mean for them
Where to get advice if they want to discuss the application
During the visit you must give them:
An application notification and acknowledgement form COP14PADep
you’ll need to complete the notification part of the form
they can complete the acknowledgement part if they’re able
Any other documents related to your application
If they’re able, they should complete the form within 14 days
👨👩🏼👧🏽👦🏿Tell people connected to your application: You must also notify at least three people who know the person such as family members, care providers, or local authorities by using the COP15PADep form.
Notification:
You, as the applicant, complete sections 1–4 of the form to inform the interested parties about the application. This includes details about the person the application is about, the type of order being requested and the proposed deputy.
You can send the form by post, email, or deliver it in person.
Acknowledgment:
The notified individuals complete sections 5 onward to confirm whether they agree or disagree with the application.
They can also provide comments or objections.
The statement of truth at the end must be signed by the notified person, not by you.
They should complete the form within 14 days
Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents
You’ll need additional paperwork to complete your application:
🪪 Proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence.
💳 Evidence of the person’s financial situation, including bank statements, property details, and proof of income.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Completing the Online Deputyship Application
Ensure you have all required forms completed and ready for upload before beginning the application. These forms are essential for a complete and accurate submission:
📄 COP1: The main application form YOU complete to request the Deputyship.
💳 COP1A: YOU complete this form to provide details about the person’s financial situation, including income, expenses, and assets.
📜 COP4: This declaration form YOU complete to confirm your understanding of the deputyship role and responsibilities.
🖋️ COP3: The mental capacity assessment form.
📜 COP14PADep: Used to notify the about person the application.
👥 COP15PADep: A minimum of three forms notifying individuals who have an interest.
📝 COP44A (if applicable):
To request a fee remission or reduction based on income or savings.
When filing uploading documents, name each file using the following format:
📆 Date: Use year-month-day format (e.g., 2025-02-14).
🧾 Surname and initial: Of the person the application is about (e.g., Simpson-J).
🗂️ Form name: Clearly describe the form (e.g., AssessmentofCapacity-COP3).
Example: For June Simpson on 14 February 2025, the COP3 form would be named:
2025-02-14-Simpson-J-AssessmentofCapacity-COP3
Step 6: Pay the Fees
The application process comes with specific fees:
💷 Application Fee: £371.
If you’re on a low income or certain benefits, you may be eligible for fee reductions or exemptions.
Other Fees:
⚖️ Court Hearing Fee: £494, This is only required if the court schedules a hearing.
🪙 Annual Supervision Fee: Between £35 and £320, depending on complexity of the case.
Additional Fees:
👩⚕️ COP3 Completion Cost:
The cost for the COP3 form can vary, typically between £500 and £700, depending on the professional and the complexity of the assessment some can be more.
Services like Cooper Care Consultancy provide professional help in completing this form:
⚖️Legal Fees: Using a solicitor
Step 7: Wait for the Court’s Decision
The court will assess your application, which can take several months. If more information is required or a hearing is necessary, the court will inform you. Once approved, you’ll receive a Deputyship order explaining your authority and any restrictions.
What to Do After You’re Appointed
As a financial deputy, you’ll take on specific legal responsibilities, including:
✅ Managing the person’s finances carefully and transparently.
📑 Keeping detailed records of all transactions and decisions you make.
📝 Submitting annual reports to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
🏠 Seeking court approval for major decisions, such as selling property.
Tips for a Smooth Process
🚀 Start Early: The application process takes time, so it’s best to begin as soon as possible.
📂 Stay Organised: Keep copies of all forms, reports, and financial records for future reference.
🤝 Seek Professional Guidance: Services like CooperCare Consultancy and legal professionals can help ensure your application is accurate and complete.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Financial Deputyship can feel like a complicated process, but it’s an essential step in ensuring your loved one’s finances are protected. By following this guide and seeking professional help when necessary, you can navigate the process with confidence.
Your dedication to becoming a deputy helps safeguard the financial future of someone close to you, making a meaningful impact in their life.
If you need further guidance, reach out to the Office of the Public Guardian: Applying to become a deputy This official page provides detailed information about the deputyship process, including responsibilities and guidance for applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click the side of the arrow to view or hide the aswer
⬅️Is there a list of other forms that are 'Not Always' Required
For a straightforward online deputyship application, the main forms you’ll need are COP1, COP1A, COP3, COP4, COP14PADep, and COP15PADep.. In some cases, you may need additional forms depending on the specifics of your application:
COP9:
This form is not commonly used in standard applications but becomes essential if additional requests or amendments are needed after the initial submission, such as interim orders.
COP24:
Witness statements are not always required but are used when additional evidence or clarification is needed by the court. This form is situational and depends on the complexity of the case.
📄 COP44A:
This form is optional and used by applicants seeking fee exemptions or reductions. It is commonly used by individuals on low income or certain benefits.
Draft Order: A draft order is a proposed version of the court order you’re requesting. It’s typically used to clarify what you’re asking the court to approve. While it’s not mandatory for standard deputyship applications, it can be helpful in more complex cases.
⬅️What happens if someone objects to the application?
⬅️What happens if the court rejects my application?
⬅️Can more than one person apply to be a deputy?
⬅️Does a deputy need to be at Continuing Healthcare (CHC) meetings?
⬅️What support is available for deputies after appointment?
⬅️Can a deputy manage the person’s finances immediately after the application?
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