Court of protection

Court of Protection solicitors

Our specialist Court of Protection solicitors advise individuals, families and professionals across England and Wales on issues affecting people who lack mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves. With experienced teams based in Cardiff, London, and Manchester, we provide national support in this complex and sensitive area of law.

Our Court of Protection team was awarded ‘Court of Protection Team of the Year’ at the British Wills and Probate Awards in both 2024 and 2025, and is highly ranked in both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, reflecting the depth of our expertise and the quality of our service.

What is the Court of Protection?

The Court of Protection is a specialist court that makes decisions for people who are unable to make decisions for themselves due to a lack of mental capacity.

It primarily deals with financial matters, including the management of money, property and investments. The Court may:

  • Decide whether a person has the capacity to make a specific decision
  • Appoint a deputy to make ongoing decisions on their behalf
  • Authorise one-off financial decisions where required
  • Consider issues relating to Powers of Attorney and statutory wills

Key contact

Tom Hall

Partner
Tom Hall is the Head of our Court of Protection department and has specialised exclusively in this area since 2012. Tom joined Hugh James in September 2022, having previously been a partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore. The majority of Tom’s clients are brain injury survivors who have received compensation awards. Tom is also often instructed to prepare expert witness statements regarding Court of Protection costs to assist with ongoing personal injury and clinical negligence claims.

They are really efficient and work very collaboratively.

Chambers & Partners

They are reliable and have the interests of clients at the forefront of any decision. They can relate to clients and make them feel at ease.

Chambers & Partners

The team is very approachable and capable.

The Legal 500

A professional team that is extremely knowledgeable about its clients’ needs’.

The Legal 500

Very professional, and all members of the team who I have had contact with have been responsive, putting the client’s needs at the forefront of their work. The individuals I work with are always able to help.

The Legal 500

The team is very professional and caring towards clients. Kate Coles, Charlotte Fletcher and Andrew Harding have a good rapport with clients and case managers.

The Legal 500

Andrew Harding, Kate Coles, Charlotte Fletcher and Joy Davies have always been very professional and helpful.

The Legal 500

The professionalism and support I have had has been exceptional. The lawyers have been approachable, and their response times to any enquiries have been prompt and direct.

The Legal 500

Andrew Harding continues to be a stand-out deputy with exceptional support from Kate Coles.

The Legal 500

The team is one of the leaders in the field of brain injury COP work on the financial side.

The Legal 500

The team has a thorough knowledge of its clients and the difficulties they encounter, involving them in financial decisions whenever possible whilst ensuring their affairs are carefully managed.

The Legal 500

The ‘excellent and responsive’ Kate Coles is also recommended.

The Legal 500

Regularly appointed to oversee the management of financial affairs, care packages and property purchases on behalf of clients lacking capacity or with complex care needs. Expertly handles claims made in the event of brain and spinal injury.

Chambers & Partners

A client states: “I always find the team to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable.”

Chambers & Partners

Find advice

We also act as expert witnesses in high-value personal injury and clinical negligence claims, providing independent evidence on Court of Protection costs.

Our team is regularly instructed by leading claimant and defendant firms to prepare Part 35-compliant reports on the likely costs of managing a protected party’s financial affairs.

Find out more about our expert witness services.

If someone lacks capacity and does not have a Power of Attorney in place, an application can be made to appoint a deputy to manage their financial affairs.

Learn more about deputyship applications.

Deputies must comply with strict legal duties when managing finances. We provide guidance and ongoing support to help you meet these responsibilities.

Issues can arise with the use or validity of a Lasting or Enduring Power of Attorney. We advise on resolving disputes and protecting vulnerable individuals.

Find out more about Powers of Attorney.

The Court can approve wills or gifts on behalf of someone who lacks capacity, ensuring their wishes and best interests are properly considered.

Learn more about statutory wills.

The length and cost of Court of Protection matters vary depending on the complexity of the case, but early advice can help avoid delays and unnecessary expense.

When you may need Court of Protection support

You may need advice from a Court of Protection solicitor in a range of situations, including:

  • A family member has lost capacity due to illness, injury or disability
  • There is no Lasting Power of Attorney in place
  • You need to apply to become a deputy
  • There are concerns about how someone’s finances are being managed
  • There is a dispute about financial decision-making

We understand that these situations are often unexpected and challenging. Our role is to provide clear, practical advice and support throughout the process.

How Hugh James can help

We provide expert advice and representation across all aspects of Court of Protection property and financial affairs work, including:

  • Deputyship applications and ongoing deputy support
  • Acting as professional deputy
  • Advising lay deputies on their duties and responsibilities
  • Statutory wills and gifting applications
  • Advice on Powers of Attorney and related disputes
  • Support in complex, high-value or contested matters

Our focus is on protecting the individual at the centre of each case, while ensuring decisions are made efficiently and in their best financial interests.

Who you’ll be working with

Our Court of Protection team is made up of experienced specialist solicitors, paralegals and legal executives who focus exclusively on this area of law. We work closely with families, case managers and other professionals, building long-term relationships and providing consistent, high-quality support.

Members of the team are actively involved in training external organisations and contributing to the wider sector. This includes our annual virtual Court of Protection conference, which is consistently well attended by professionals across the sector and receives excellent feedback.

Useful links

PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0300 456 0300
Fax: 0870 739 5780

Court Funds Office
Glasgow
G58 1AB

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0300 0200 199

Official Solicitor and Public Trustee
Victory House
30-34 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6EX

Email: [email protected]
Fax: 020 3681 2762

Video case studies

Court of Protection case study - Jenny
Court of Protection case study - Dale

Related services

Birth Injury Claims Brain injury Brain Damage Claims Serious injury claims Hospital Negligence Compensation Hugh James independent financial advisers Medical negligence solicitors

Next steps

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