Court of Protection Deputyship Support Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to supporting letter for Court of Protection deputyship application, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong court of protection deputyship support letter should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Explain why the person lacks mental capacity to manage their own affairs
• State the applicant's relationship to the person and why they are a suitable deputy
• Describe the assets and affairs that need managing
• Reference the urgency if applicable

Why a supporting letter can strengthen a deputyship application

When someone lacks the mental capacity to make a Lasting Power of Attorney themselves, a Court of Protection deputyship application may be needed instead — and a supporting letter from someone who knows the person well can help the court understand their circumstances, needs, and why the proposed deputy is appropriate.

What to include before you send it

• Your relationship to the person who lacks capacity
• Your observations of their current needs and circumstances
• Why you believe the proposed deputy is suitable to act in their best interests
• Any relevant concerns the court should be aware of

What makes this evidence genuinely useful to the court

Specific, honest observations about the person's day-to-day needs and the practical reasons the proposed deputy is well-placed to help carry far more weight than general statements of support — the court is trying to build a genuine picture of what's needed and who can provide it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between deputyship and Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is set up by someone while they still have capacity; a deputyship is appointed by the court after someone has already lost capacity and no LPA was in place.

How long does a deputyship application typically take?
This can take several months given the court process involved, so it's worth applying as soon as the need becomes clear rather than waiting.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Court of Protection
[Address - check the current address on GOV.UK]
[Date]

Dear Sir or Madam,

Subject: Letter supporting a deputyship application – [Full Name of the Person] – Case Reference: [Case Reference, if known]

I am writing to support [Applicant's Name]'s application to be appointed as deputy for [property and financial affairs / personal welfare] for [Full Name of the Person].

I have known [Full Name of the Person] for [number] years as their [relationship, e.g. GP / social worker / friend / brother].
• Full name: [Full Name of the Person]
• Date of birth: [Date of Birth]
• Address: [Address]

I believe [Full Name of the Person] cannot make decisions about their [money and property / welfare] because of [reason, e.g. advanced dementia / a brain injury]. [Describe what you have seen, e.g. they can no longer understand their bills or remember paying them.]

The affairs that need managing include [e.g. a bank account, a pension, care home fees, a house that needs to be sold].

[Applicant's Name] is a suitable deputy because:
• [e.g. They already help with day-to-day care and have done so reliably.]
• [e.g. They understand the person's wishes and values.]
• [e.g. They have no conflict of interest over the person's money or property.]

[If urgent: This is urgent because [e.g. care home fees are going unpaid / the house is empty and uninsured].]

I believe this appointment would be in [Full Name of the Person]'s best interests.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]