Court of Protection
Professional Deputy Services
When someone loses the capacity to manage their finances, a Professional Deputy steps in — so families can focus on care, not paperwork.
A genuinely personal service
We understand the emotional weight families carry when someone begins to lose capacity — whether through injury, illness, or conditions like dementia.
Our team provides a safe, supportive environment to discuss concerns openly, always placing the individual’s thoughts, feelings, and wishes at the centre of everything we do.
We keep caseloads realistic and manageable so every client gets the time and attention they deserve. This allows our team to build real, lasting relationships — with both clients and their families — which makes a genuine difference to the quality of day-to-day management.
What a Professional Deputy does
Our full Professional Deputyship service covers everything related to property and finances when an individual no longer has capacity to manage these themselves. This can include:
Accessing and managing bank accounts
Liaising with financial advisers, local authorities, and care providers
Dealing with care funding decisions
Preparing and managing a budget
Reviewing the long-term lifespan of an individual's funds
Property sales, purchases, and adaptations
Investigating financial abuse or previous mismanagement
Keeping spending within the individual's means
Supporting independence, not replacing it
Capacity is rarely black and white. Our approach is to assist and support individuals in making decisions wherever possible — not to take over. Some clients, with the right guidance, can make certain decisions for themselves, and we actively encourage this. We keep communication open at every stage so individuals can be as involved in their own affairs as they are able and wish to be.
Why families choose a Professional Deputy
Focus on care, not admin: With finances handled professionally, families are free to concentrate on their loved one’s health and wellbeing — without the burden of bills, accounts, and paperwork.
Independent decisions, without conflict: A Professional Deputy makes impartial decisions based on experience and judgement. This removes difficult conversations from family relationships at an already hard time.
A practical example
If a client requests extra funds that aren’t in their best interests, a family member refusing that request can cause real conflict. A Professional Deputy makes that call independently — protecting both the individual and the family dynamic.
Whether you're considering a Professional Deputy for the first time or want to understand your options, we're here to help. Get in touch with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Professional Deputy do?
A Professional Deputy manages the property and financial affairs of someone who lacks mental capacity. This can include managing bank accounts, paying bills, liaising with care providers and local authorities, dealing with property matters, preparing budgets, and filing annual reports to the Office of the Public Guardian.
Why would I appoint a Professional Deputy instead of a family member?
Many families choose a Professional Deputy to relieve themselves of the administrative and legal burden of managing a loved one’s finances. It also removes difficult decisions — such as refusing financial requests that are not in the person’s best interests — from family relationships, reducing the potential for conflict.
How much does a Professional Deputy cost?
Professional Deputy fees are subject to Court of Protection assessment and must be reasonable and proportionate to the work carried out. Fees are typically paid from the individual’s assets. A specialist solicitor can advise on what costs to expect in your specific circumstances.
Can a person still be involved in their own financial decisions if they have a Deputy?
Yes — where a person retains some capacity to make certain decisions, a good Deputy will actively support and encourage that involvement. Capacity is not always all-or-nothing, and the Deputy’s role is to assist the individual, not to take over entirely.
What oversight is there of a Professional Deputy?
Professional Deputies are regulated by the Office of the Public Guardian and must file detailed annual reports and accounts. The Court of Protection can review a Deputy’s conduct at any time and has the power to remove them if they fall below the required standards.
Testimonials
Contentious Probate
Our Team
The people who make up the Rothley Law team work together to deliver the best results possible for our clients.
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Ellie Bodley
Trainee CILEx Lawyer
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Rebecca Bristow
Partner
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Andriy Buniak
Principal Associate
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Lily Ford
Paralegal
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Laura Gibbs
Senior Associate
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Abby Glendinning
Apprentice Paralegal
