The Court of Protection is a legal body responsible for decisions involving individuals who lack mental capacity to make choices for themselves. It ensures decisions are made in the best interests of these individuals.

A deputy is a person appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions for someone who lacks mental capacity, particularly when there is no valid LPA in place. Deputies can be responsible for either financial or welfare matters, or both.

To become a deputy, you need to apply to the Court of Protection. The court assesses your suitability and grants you specific powers to make decisions on behalf of the individual lacking capacity.

Deputies have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of the person lacking capacity. They must make decisions that respect the person's wishes and preferences, even if these were expressed before they lost capacity.