Apply for a one-off decision from the Court of Protection

Skip to contents of guide

Tell other people you've applied

The Court of Protection will send you a copy of your application forms - they’ll be stamped with an issue date.

You’ll also get a letter from the court telling you what to do next.

You must tell (‘serve’) certain people about the application within 14 days of the issue date.

Tell the person you’re applying to get a one-off decision for

You or your representative must visit the person and tell them:

  • who’s applying to get a one-off decision about their personal welfare or property and financial affairs
  • that their ability to make decisions is being questioned
  • what the one-off decision would mean for them
  • where to get advice if they want to discuss the application

You must give the person:

The person can get advice and assistance from the Court of Protection.

Court of Protection
courtofprotectionenquiries@justice.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 456 4600
Find out about call charges

Tell people connected to the application

You must tell people named on your application that it’s been issued.

Send them:

You can tell them:

  • by post
  • by fax or email
  • in person

Confirm you’ve told people (‘served notice’)

You must confirm you’ve told people within 7 days of sending the forms. Download and fill in both:

  • form (COP20A) for the person you’re applying to get a one-off decision for
  • form (COP20B) for other people named in the application

These forms are sometimes called ‘certificates of service’.

You must send both forms to the Court of Protection at the same time.

Court of Protection
PO Box 70185
First Avenue House
42-49 High Holborn
London
WC1A 9JA