The Court of Protection is part of the High Court, and has the authority to make decisions on behalf of those who lack capacity to make those decisions themselves. The Court therefore has the huge responsibility of protecting the most vulnerable in our society. The Court can make decisions related to property and affairs as well as welfare; here, we are considering only financial affairs.

The Court only has power to act if there is medical evidence that someone (P) does not have capacity to manage their finances or, in the case of a minor, is likely to lack capacity when reaching the age of 18.

The Court can exercise it...