Nellie On the Sofa with Stuart Parris - Disputed Deputyship Applications

Ideally, those involved with P agree on who should act as deputy for Property & Financial Affairs or Health & Welfare. Where there’s disagreement, an application may be objected to or even met with a rival application, creating a disputed deputyship. We’ll talk about the Court of Protection’s approach, the evidence that carries weight, and how parties can navigate disputes while keeping P’s best interests at the centre.

• How disputes arise: objections, cross-applications, safeguarding concerns, family conflict, and alleged conflicts of interest
• What the Court considers: P’s wishes and feelings, best interests, suitability, past conduct, proximity, transparency, safeguarding, costs, and proportionality
• Evidence & procedure: capacity evidence, COP forms & statements, witness evidence
• Possible outcomes: appointment of one deputy vs. joint deputies, limited/issue-specific authority, professional vs. family deputy, dismissal, costs orders

Who Should Attend

Court of Protection and private client solicitors • Professional & lay deputies/attorneys • Social workers and capacity assessors • Safeguarding teams • Case managers • Anyone supporting vulnerable adults where deputyship is in dispute

You’ll Leave With

• A clear roadmap of the disputed deputyship process
• An evidence checklist for persuasive statements and hearing preparation
• Practical options to resolve or narrow issues before court
• A better understanding of how judges balance risk, suitability and P’s rights