The appointment of a personal welfare Deputy, is relatively unusual and only will be made by the Court of Protection in very specific circumstances where complex or controversial decisions have to be made.  A welfare Deputy is not required, for example, to enable day to day decisions about personal care and welfare.

Examples of when a welfare Deputy might be appointed include

• where a series of linked welfare decisions over time is needed

• where the most appropriate way to act in a vulnerable person’s best interests is to have a deputy, who will consult relevant people but have the final authority to take decisions

• where is a history of serious family disputes that could have a detrimental effect on the person’s future care unless a deputy is appointed to make decisions

• medical or ethical decisions need to be taken, such as a decision to withhold life sustaining treatment, or terminate a pregnancy or make a donation for the benefit of another person

We have the specialist experience to advise as to whether an application for a welfare Deputyship is appropriate and can undertake this work on your behalf.

Please contact us on 0161 871 3680 or email Head of Department Chris Gallagher for a free initial discussion with a specialist solicitor in our team.