If an adult has not (or cannot) make a health and care Lasting Power of Attorney – and they do not have the ability to make decisions about their welfare and treatment – social or health care professionals step in and consult with the person’s family and friends, and make decisions for the individual – based on what they believe is in their best interests. The person may have a brain injury, a learning disability, autism or other cognitive impairment.
Sometimes, close relatives feel it is right that they are empowered to make those decisions – instead of the state agencies.
An application can be made to the Court of Protection for a relative to be appointed as welfare deputy.
Although the court can appoint a “welfare deputy”, it will be reluctant to make such an appointment – unless it is convinced there is a pressing need.
Sheree Green routinely represents families in making welfare deputyship applications. If you believe welfare deputyship may be right for the person in your life, please get in touch and we can discuss how an application might be received by the court in your particular circumstances.
“Sheree represented us excellently and we were more than happy with the service we received from her. We particularly valued the optimal combination of objective advice and sensitive support which we received”.
