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Glossary - Deputyship
A Deputy is a person appointed by the Court of Protection to manage the personal welfare or the property and affairs of another person, who lacks the mental capacity to manage them themselves. A Deputy can only act under a court order from the Court of Protection.
This order sets out the Deputy’s powers and entitles the Deputy to act on behalf of the person lacking capacity. A deputy is usually a close friend or family member of the person who needs help making decisions; they must be over 18.
A Deputy will not be required if the person lacking capacity has previously made a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). In this case, provided the LPA has been properly registered, the attorney can continue to make decisions on behalf of the person lacking capacity.