What Is A Court-Appointed Deputy

A Deputy is appointed by the court to make certain decisions on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity when the person has not made a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and has no Donee to decide on his behalf in respect of those decisions. A Deputy can be an individual or a licensed trust company under the Trust Companies Act (Cap.336), as prescribed by the Mental Capacity Regulations.

 

For persons without next-of-kin or suitable next-of-kin, Professional Deputies may apply to be their Deputies.

 

​​Parents may also apply to court to appoint themselves as Deputies for their children who lack mental capacity. A successor Deputy may also be appointed in the event where Deputies are unable to act due to loss of mental capacity themselves, or death.

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For a step-by-step overview of deputyship, including eligibility, responsibilities and how to apply, download the Deputyship Guide.