Apply for a one-off decision from the Court of Protection
What happens next
You’ll hear from the Court of Protection after you’ve ‘served notice’ (told other people you’ve applied).
The court will tell you if:
- your application’s been approved or rejected
- you have to provide more information to support your application, for example a report from social services
- it’s going to hold a hearing to make a decision, and when and where it’ll take place
If there’s a hearing
You must attend the hearing. You’ll get a letter with a hearing date (‘notice’) if the court decides to have a hearing.
You must tell the person you’re getting a decision for about the hearing:
- within 14 days of getting the notice
- at least 14 days before the date of the hearing
Fill in the notice about proceedings (COP14) and give it to the person you’re getting a decision for. Use the guidance notes if you need help.
The person can contact the Court of Protection for advice and assistance - you must explain this to them.
Court of Protection
courtofprotectionenquiries@justice.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 456 4600
Find out about call charges
Send a certificate of service (COP20A) to the Court of Protection within 7 days of when you told the person.
You must pay £500 if the court makes a final decision at the hearing.
Get a decision
If there’s a hearing, you’ll get a decision at it or afterwards by post.
You’ll get a decision by post if there is not a hearing.
Challenge a decision
You can apply to the court for the decision to be reconsidered if it was made without a hearing - use form (COP9).
You must apply within 21 days of the date the decision was made.
Appeal a decision
You must ask for permission to appeal if there was a hearing. Download and fill in the appellants’ notice (COP35).
You must pay £230. You can apply for help paying the fee if you’re getting certain benefits or on a low income.