Court of Protection Cost Calculator

The Court of Protection makes decisions for people who lack mental capacity to make their own decisions about finances, health, or welfare. It appoints deputies to act on behalf of the person (known as 'P'). Applications are most common for elderly people with dementia, people with brain injuries, and those with severe learning disabilities.

The court application fee is £371. A solicitor typically charges £1,500-£3,000 to prepare the application. You also need a security bond (an insurance policy protecting P's assets) costing £100-£500 depending on the estate value. The OPG supervision fee is £320/year for most cases. Professional deputies charge additional management fees.

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) supervises all deputies. The annual supervision fee is £320 for most cases (Type IIA) or £35 for minimal supervision (Type I). The fee is paid from P's funds. The OPG checks annual reports, investigates concerns, and can apply to the court to remove deputies who act improperly.

Yes, family members can be appointed as deputies and this avoids professional deputy fees. However, lay deputies must: file annual reports with the OPG, keep detailed financial records, always act in P's best interests, and obtain a security bond. The court may require a professional deputy for complex or high-value estates, or where there are family disputes.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is made by the person while they still have capacity — it is cheaper (£82) and faster. Deputyship is applied for after the person loses capacity — it requires a court application (£371+). An LPA is always preferable to deputyship. Everyone should consider making an LPA before it is too late.