What is a deputy order?

What is a deputy order?

• A. A court application to the Court of Protection to appoint a deputy
• B. A family member can appoint a deputy informally
• C. An LPA suffices to handle finances
• D. Deputies cannot be appointed

Answer: (A)

A deputy order is a formal court order issued by the Court of Protection to appoint someone to make decisions on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity. It provides the appointed deputy with authority to handle either the person’s financial and property affairs or their health and welfare, under court oversight and with safeguards. A family member cannot create this role informally; a deputy must be appointed through the court. An lasting power of attorney only covers decisions if the person had capacity to create it while they could. If there’s no suitable enduring power of attorney, a deputy order is the proper route. Deputies can be appointed, so that option isn’t correct either.

A deputy order is a formal court order issued by the Court of Protection to appoint someone to make decisions on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity. It provides the appointed deputy with authority to handle either the person’s financial and property affairs or their health and welfare, under court oversight and with safeguards. A family member cannot create this role informally; a deputy must be appointed through the court. An lasting power of attorney only covers decisions if the person had capacity to create it while they could. If there’s no suitable enduring power of attorney, a deputy order is the proper route. Deputies can be appointed, so that option isn’t correct either.