Low Asset Deputyship Service

Providing Local Authoritys and Solicitors with Practical Solutions

The steps for

Deputyship Transfers and Relinquishments

Money Carer also supports existing deputies who may be reviewing whether continuing in their role remains in the client’s best interests.

In some situations, particularly where the client’s assets and income have significantly reduced, it may be more appropriate for the deputy to apply to the Court of Protection to relinquish their role. At this stage, a deputyship may no longer be the most suitable or cost-effective arrangement for the client.

Where this is the case, Money Carer can formally notify the Court—alongside the relinquishment application—that we are willing and able to act as the client’s DWP Appointee. This ensures continuity of support through an arrangement better aligned with the client’s long-term needs.

When determining best interests, please refer to the OPG Professional Deputy Guide and Checklist.

Step 1

Mental Capacity Assessment

A mental capacity assessment determines whether someone can understand, process, and communicate decisions about their finances and daily money management.

Step 2

Gathering of Evidence

A financial deputyship application requires gathering clear evidence to show the person lacks capacity to manage their finances and that the proposed deputy is suitable.

This includes a professional capacity assessment, collection of key financial documents, and supporting statements from those involved in the person’s care.

A full financial overview—income, assets, liabilities—is compiled, along with any expert reports needed to support the case.

All documentation is then submitted to the Court of Protection with the required application forms to demonstrate the need for deputyship and the applicant’s suitability.

Step 3

Complete Application Form

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse a lacus est. Etiam diam metus, lobortis non augue at, placerat viverra risus.

Step 4

Notify Relevant Parties

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse a lacus est. Etiam diam metus, lobortis non augue at, placerat viverra risus.

Step 5

Submit Application

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse a lacus est. Etiam diam metus, lobortis non augue at, placerat viverra risus.

Step 6

Await Outcome

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse a lacus est. Etiam diam metus, lobortis non augue at, placerat viverra risus.

Step 7

Become the Deputy

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse a lacus est. Etiam diam metus, lobortis non augue at, placerat viverra risus.

JMW Solicitors LLP

A deputyship partner in focus

Money Carer has worked closely with the Court of Protection team at JMW Solicitors for nearly eight years.

As an OPG-accredited Panel Deputy, JMW brings extensive experience across all types of deputyship and Court of Protection matters, with particular expertise in supporting local authorities nationwide—mirroring the work we do at Money Carer.

Together, our organisations regularly collaborate and pool resources to deliver the most appropriate solutions for clients while supporting local authority social care teams.

Make Online Referral

Our expertise

Our appointeeship services support people with a wide range of care needs from all walks of life.

As the organisation that created and launched the original Carer Card concept, we continue to invest heavily in our proprietary banking and payments technology, delivering practical, innovative solutions to everyday money management challenges faced by our clients and their carers.

We use our own specialist resources and expertise to partner with local authorities and care providers who may be struggling to deliver money management support to vulnerable individuals.

We are a national partner of the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) and work with more than 100 local authorities, around 250 law firms, and hundreds of care providers who rely on our services.

USP 1

USP 2

USP 3

Deputyship FAQs

There's a lot to unpack with deputyship - so we've got this helpful range of often asked questions together.

But if you don't see your query answered here, don't hesitate to contact our team on 0161 791 3064 or email info@moneycarer.org.uk

Who might need a deputy for property and finances?

A deputy for property and finances may be needed for individuals who are unable to manage their financial and property affairs due to various reasons such as age-related mental decline, illness, or disability. This could include:

Elderly individuals who may have difficulty managing their finances and property due to declining mental and physical health.
Individuals who have suffered a brain injury, stroke or other cognitive impairment which has affected their ability to make decisions about their financial and property matters.
People with mental illnesses or disabilities which prevent them from managing their finances and property.
Individuals with developmental disabilities who may require assistance in managing their finances and property.

In these situations, a deputy may be appointed by the court of protection to make decisions on behalf of the individual in relation to their property and finances. Find out more about health and welfare deputyship by contacting a member of our team on 0161 791 3064 or info@moneycarer.org.uk

What are the responsibilities of a deputy?

In general, anyone who is over the age of 18 and has the capacity to manage financial and property affairs can be appointed as a deputy for property and finances. However, it is important to note that being a deputy is a significant responsibility and requires a high level of trust and competence. Here are some common types of individuals who may be appointed as a deputy for property and finances:

Family members or close friends: Often, family members or close friends of the person who needs assistance are appointed as deputies. They may have a good understanding of the person’s wishes and preferences and can act in their best interests.

Professional deputies: If there are no suitable family members or friends, a professional deputy may be appointed. This could be a solicitor, accountant or other professional with experience in managing financial and property affairs.

Local authorities: In some cases, a local authority may be appointed as a deputy for property and finances, particularly if there are concerns about abuse or neglect.

It is important to note that being a deputy for property and finances is a serious responsibility and requires a high level of trust and competence. Therefore, anyone who is appointed as a deputy should be able to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience to manage the person’s affairs effectively and in their best interests. Find out more by reading the official deputyship guidance.

Can a deputyship be temporary?

Yes, a deputyship can be temporary. In the UK, the Court of Protection can appoint a deputy for a fixed period of time if it is deemed necessary. This is known as a “limited deputyship” and may be appropriate in situations where the person is expected to regain capacity in the near future.

For example, if an individual is undergoing medical treatment or therapy that is expected to improve their mental capacity within a set period of time, a limited deputyship may be appropriate. In this case, the deputy would be appointed for a fixed period of time and would have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the person during that period.

It is important to note that a limited deputyship may not be appropriate in all cases, and the court will consider all the evidence before making a decision on whether to grant a limited deputyship or a permanent deputyship. In general, a permanent deputyship is more commonly granted when the person’s capacity is unlikely to improve, or if there are ongoing concerns about their ability to manage their financial and property affairs.

Who can be a deputy for property and finances?

When appointed as a deputy for property and finances, the deputy has a range of responsibilities that they must fulfil in order to act in the best interests of the person they are representing. These responsibilities include:

Managing finances: The deputy is responsible for managing the person’s finances, which includes paying bills, managing bank accounts, investing funds, and ensuring that the person’s financial affairs are in order.
Making decisions: The deputy must make decisions on behalf of the person in relation to their finances and property, taking into account the person’s wishes, beliefs, and values. The deputy must act in the person’s best interests and ensure that any decisions made are in line with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Keeping records: The deputy must keep accurate and up-to-date records of all financial transactions and decisions made on behalf of the person. This includes keeping receipts, invoices, bank statements, and other financial documents.
Reporting to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG): The deputy must submit an annual report to the OPG, which provides details of all financial transactions and decisions made on behalf of the person. The report must be reviewed by a solicitor or other professional, and any discrepancies or concerns must be addressed.
Consulting with others: The deputy should consult with the person’s family, friends, and carers to ensure that decisions made are in line with the person’s wishes and preferences.
Seeking professional advice: The deputy should seek professional advice when needed, such as from a solicitor or accountant, to ensure that they are fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.

What are the costs involved in applying to be a deputy for property and affairs?

If you are applying to be a Deputy for Property and Affairs for someone who lacks the capacity to manage their own finances, there are several costs involved, which may include:

The Application fee: There is a one-time application fee to become a deputy, which is currently £371 in England and Wales. This fee covers the cost of processing your application.

An Assessment fee: In addition to the application fee, you may also need to pay an assessment fee for a medical professional to assess the capacity of the person you wish to become a deputy for. This fee can vary depending on the healthcare professional you choose.

The Security Bond fee: If you are appointed as a deputy, you may be required to pay a bond fee. The bond fee is a type of insurance that ensures the person’s finances are protected from any misuse or mishandling by the deputy. The cost of the bond fee can vary depending on the size of the person’s estate and the level of risk involved.

Ongoing fees: Once appointed as a deputy, there may be ongoing fees to pay for things like annual supervision and filing annual reports with the Court of Protection. These fees can vary depending on the complexity of the person’s estate and the level of supervision required.

It’s worth noting that if the person you wish to become a deputy for is on a low income, they may be eligible for help with the application fee and assessment fee. Please contact a member of our team to find out more about the deputyship application process.