Mental Capacity Assessments UK: Expert Reports from £496 + VAT
Court-Ready Capacity Assessment Reports by the UK's Largest Private Social Work Practice
Over 6,000 families, solicitors, and local authorities have trusted Nellie Supports for independent mental capacity assessments. We deliver CPR Part 35-compliant reports in 5-10 working days, covering every type of capacity decision from wills and lasting powers of attorney to property sales and financial management. No hidden fees. No delays. Just clear, reliable evidence when you need it most.
Trusted by Thousands. Guided by Experience. Committed to You.
6,000+
6,000+ Assessments Delivered
50+ Years
Combined Expertise
99%
Client Satisfaction
100%
Coverage of England & Wales
4.9 ⭐
Find Your Mental Capacity Assessment in 60 Seconds
Not sure which assessment you need? Our quick finder helps you identify the right mental capacity assessment for your situation. Answer a few simple questions about the decision type, and we'll recommend the most appropriate service. Or browse all assessment types below.
Types of Decisions We Assess
Mental capacity is always decision-specific, and our team is experienced in assessing capacity for a wide range of circumstances. Whether you need evidence to support a property sale, lifetime gift, creation of a Lasting Power of Attorney, or any other important choice, we’re here to help. Every assessment is tailored to your individual situation and fully compliant with the Mental Capacity Act (2005), giving you clarity and confidence that your report will meet legal and professional standards.
Financial & Property Decisions
Capacity to Grant Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
Assess capacity to create a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare or property and financial affairs.
Capacity to Manage Finances
Assess whether someone can understand bank accounts, bills, investments, and financial decisions independently.
Capacity to Sell Property
Confirm capacity to understand property transactions, market value, and the financial implications of selling a home.
COP3 Deputyship Capacity Assessment
For Court of Protection applications when someone lacks capacity to manage their property and financial affairs. Essential for deputyship orders.
Wills & Estate Planning
Capacity to Act or Retire as a Trustee
Assess capacity to understand and fulfil the duties of a trustee, including trust administration, beneficiary management, and legal responsibilities.
Retrospective Capacity Assessment
Assess capacity at a past point in time, often needed when contesting wills or challenging past financial decisions. Requires detailed social and medical evidence.
PA14 Probate Medical Certificate
Medical evidence of capacity at the time of will execution, often required by probate courts when there's concern about the testator's mental state.
Testamentary Capacity Assessment
Establish whether someone has capacity to create, amend, or revoke a will. Essential when there's concern about cognitive decline or undue influence.
Care, Litigation & Specialist Assessments
Decision-Specific Assessment
Can't find the assessment type you need? We assess capacity for any decision. Contact our team to discuss your specific situation and we'll recommend the right assessment for you.
Advanced Mental Capacity Assessment
For complex, contested, or high-value decisions requiring comprehensive psychometric testing, emotional screening, and enhanced evidence. Includes two-visit assessment with detailed psychological profiling.
Capacity for Residency (Living Arrangements)
Assess capacity to make decisions about where to live, including care home placement or supported living arrangements.
Capacity to Litigate
Establish capacity to pursue or defend legal proceedings, including understanding of litigation process and legal advice.
What Is Mental Capacity?
Imagine a friend who wears a T-shirt on a frosty morning and a heavy coat on a scorching afternoon. You would naturally wonder if they really understood how to match their clothing to the weather. Mental capacity assessments work in a similar way, but for life's far more important choices. They explore whether a person can truly understand, process, and decide about specific matters such as managing finances, signing a will, or consenting to medical treatment.
Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, capacity is always decision-specific. A person may be perfectly able to make some decisions yet struggle with others. For example, someone might have full capacity to decide what to eat for breakfast but lack capacity to manage complex investment decisions. This is why every assessment must be tailored to the exact decision in question.
The Two-Stage Test: How Mental Capacity Is Assessed
Following case law (A Local Authority v JB [2021] UKSC 52), modern assessments use a functional-first approach. Here is how it works:
Stage 1: The Functional Test
Can the person do all of the following?
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Understand the relevant information about the decision
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Retain that information long enough to make the decision
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Use or weigh the information as part of their decision-making process
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Communicate their decision by any means (speech, sign language, blinking, etc.)
If the answer to all four questions is yes, the person has capacity for that specific decision. If they struggle with even one element, we move to Stage 2.
Stage 2: The Diagnostic Test
If the person cannot do one or more of the above, is that inability caused by an impairment or disturbance in the functioning of the mind or brain?
This second stage confirms whether any lack of capacity is due to a medical or psychological condition, as required by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Conditions might include dementia, learning disabilities, brain injury, mental health conditions, or the effects of medication or alcohol.
Two Services, One Gold Standard
Every situation deserves gold-standard evidence, but not every case requires the same depth of investigation. That's why we offer two equally rigorous options, each engineered for a different level of risk and complexity. Both are CPR Part 35-compliant and accepted by courts, solicitors, and local authorities nationwide.
Choose Standard MCA if the decision is straightforward and unlikely to be challenged, you need a quick turnaround, budget is a primary concern, or there are no red flags for undue influence or cognitive decline. Choose Advanced AMCA if the decision involves a large estate or significant financial value, there's family conflict or potential undue influence, the person has shown rapid cognitive change, you anticipate legal challenge, or you need quantified evidence of vulnerability factors.
Mental Capacity Assessment
Advanced Mental Capacity Assessment
Our flagship one-visit service for straightforward, decision-specific matters such as routine wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, property transactions or day-to-day health-and-welfare choices. A registered assessor applies the MCA 2005 two-stage test, adding a MoCA cognitive screen whenever helpful. You receive a clear, CPR 35-compliant report within 5–10 working days—fast, court-ready, and accepted by solicitors nationwide.
Built on the same gold-standard foundations but engineered for higher-risk, contested or high-value scenarios—large estates, family conflict, suspected undue influence or rapid cognitive change. After a brief phone triage, we complete targeted psychometric tests at Visit 1 and the formal capacity interview at Visit 2. The result is a CPR 35-compliant report plus a plain-English Psychometric Summary that quantifies cognitive, emotional and vulnerability factors—extra armour when a decision may be challenged.
Mental Capacity Assessment (MCA) | Advanced Mental Capacity Assessment (AMCA) | |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Standard capacity assessment for a clearly-defined decision (e.g. Will, LPA, property, health & welfare). | Flagship service for complex, high-risk or contested decisions where ordinary interview evidence may require additional supplementary evidence to create a more robust argument |
Ideal for | Most everyday legal or financial choices that still require formal capacity evidence. | Large estates, family conflict, suspected undue influence or exploitation, or any matter likely to be challenged. |
Risk factors addressed | General mental-capacity concerns; assessor escalates if red-flags appear. | Explicit focus on: financial vulnerability, undue influence, cognitive decline, behavioural risk, grief/anxiety impact and other “evidence-pillar” domains. |
Assessment structure | One visit – decision-specific capacity interview (plus optional MoCA if required and appropriate). | Telephone consultation → Visit 1: Psychometric testing → Visit 2: Capacity interview (3-step pathway, but two client visits). |
Psychometric testing | Montreal Cognitive Assessment completed as required and appropriate | Person-Centred battery: MoCA, Financial Vulnerability Assessment, Financial Decision Tracker and assessor-selected NovoPsych scales. |
Emotional / psychological screening | Not included. | Anxiety, grief, trauma and similar factors measured quantitatively so their real impact (or lack of it) is documented. |
Report & legal robustness | CPR35-compliant capacity report. | CPR35-compliant capacity report plus Psychometric Summary Appendix explaining every score in plain English. |
Cost | £496.00 | £995.00 |
Mental Capacity Assessment: From £496.00 + VAT Advanced Mental Capacity Assessment: £995.00 + VAT
Travel fees apply (£40/hour). All assessments include same-day admin response and secure report delivery.
OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS
We've designed our assessment process to be transparent, efficient, and person-centred. From your first contact to report delivery, you'll know exactly what to expect. Here's how it works:
Initial enquiry & triage
Contact us by phone, email or using our website form. A senior coordinator responds the same working day to confirm the decision that needs assessing, provide a clear quotation (including VAT and mileage if applicable), and arrange a convenient assessment time.
Assessment Appointment
A qualified assessor meets the individual—at home, in hospital, or via secure video—to carry out the assessment. The conversation is gentle and decision-specific. If helpful, cognitive screening tools (such as the MoCA) may be used to support clinical insight.
Report Writing
The assessor prepares a clear, CPR Part 35-compliant report that links all findings to the relevant legal framework (e.g., Mental Capacity Act 2005, Care Act 2014). Every report is peer-reviewed by a second professional to ensure quality, neutrality and legal readiness.
Report Delivery
You receive the report securely within 5–10 working days. Minor amendments are free within 14 days, and your assessor remains available to clarify the findings with legal teams, courts or healthcare professionals if required.
Why Choose Nellie Supports for Your Mental Capacity Assessment?
We're not just another assessment provider. We're the UK's largest private social work practice, built on over 50 years of combined expertise and a commitment to person-centred, compassionate care.
Our team includes registered social workers, chartered psychologists, a forensic scientist, and an SRA solicitor. This means every assessment benefits from multiple perspectives and specialised expertise. We don't just assess capacity; we understand the full context of someone's life, relationships, and circumstances.
Every report is CPR Part 35-compliant and accepted by courts, solicitors, and local authorities nationwide. We follow strict legal standards and peer-review every assessment to ensure your evidence is robust, impartial, and court-ready from day one.
We operate across England and Wales with both face-to-face and remote assessment options. Whether you're in London, Manchester, or rural Wales, we can reach you. Over 95% of our assessments are conducted in person, with secure video options available when needed.
6,000+ assessments completed. 99% client satisfaction. 4.9-star Google rating from 122+ verified reviews. These aren't just numbers; they reflect our commitment to quality, reliability, and genuine care.
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Standard assessments start from £496 + VAT, with travel fees clearly stated upfront (£40/hour). You know exactly what you're paying for before you commit.
Contact us and you'll hear back the same working day. We understand that capacity assessments are often urgent, and delays can cause real stress. Our admin team responds quickly so you can move forward with confidence
We treat every assessment as a conversation, not a clinical interrogation. Our assessors are trained to be compassionate, therapeutic, and genuinely interested in understanding the individual's perspective. The outcome is evidence that's not just legally sound but also respectful and dignified.
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Need Advice?
Not sure about the specific decision you need assessing? Contact us to speak to our client liason team the same working day. We’re here to help you find the right support.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
Nellie Supports
Used Nellie Supports to provide a Mental Capacity assessment on a close family member and the assessor was very professional & patient throughout and showed the necessary empathy when things took a difficult turn during the assessment.
Nick Prince
Efficient and well-organised service. The assessor was thorough, professional, empathetic and produced a comprehensive report within 24 hours of the interview. Excellent service all round.
David Laws
The Team at Nellie Supports are always helpful. Always providing advice and information where necessary. Prompt in responding with quotes. I always recommend to others within my organisation.
Ann-Marie (solicitor)
Expert Insights into
Mental Capacity
Reports
Explore our articles on Mental Capacity Assessments, covering common challenges, practical guidance, and expert insights for families, solicitors, and deputies navigating decisions under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mental capacity is the legal and practical ability to make a specific decision. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a person has capacity if they can understand the relevant information, retain it, weigh it up, and communicate their decision. Importantly, capacity is always decision-specific and time-specific. Someone might have capacity to decide what to eat for breakfast but lack capacity to manage complex investment decisions. Capacity can also fluctuate over time due to illness, medication, or changing circumstances.
They are completely different things. Mental capacity is about the ability to make a specific decision. Mental health is about whether someone has a mental illness or condition. It's entirely possible to have a mental health diagnosis and still have full capacity to make decisions. For example, someone with depression may have capacity to make financial decisions, or someone with anxiety may have capacity to consent to medical treatment.
Our standard Mental Capacity Assessment starts from £496 + VAT. Advanced Mental Capacity Assessments (for complex, contested, or high-value cases) cost £995 + VAT. Travel fees apply at £40/hour. All pricing is transparent with no hidden costs. We'll provide a clear quotation before you commit, including VAT and estimated travel costs.
The assessment appointment typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the decision and the individual's needs. Report delivery takes 5-10 working days for standard assessments and 10-14 working days for advanced assessments. We aim to complete most assessments within 2 weeks of payment.
Yes. While over 95% of our assessments are conducted face-to-face, we offer secure video assessments via our Cliniko platform when appropriate. Remote assessments are legally compliant and accepted by courts and solicitors. They can be conducted at a time and location that suits you, and we can arrange support (such as an interpreter or carer) if needed.
Standard assessments are suitable for straightforward decisions and include one visit with optional cognitive screening. Advanced assessments are for complex, contested, or high-value cases and include two visits with comprehensive psychometric testing, emotional and psychological screening, and enhanced evidence. Choose Standard if the decision is unlikely to be challenged; choose Advanced if there's family conflict, a large estate, or anticipated legal challenge.
Anyone can request an assessment. Common referrers include family members, solicitors, will writers, financial advisers, local authorities, healthcare professionals, and Court of Protection deputies. You don't need a solicitor to instruct us directly, though it's advisable to seek legal guidance to ensure you're requesting the correct assessment type for your needs.
Yes. All our reports are CPR Part 35-compliant and accepted by courts, solicitors, and local authorities across England and Wales. Every report is peer-reviewed by a second professional to ensure legal robustness, impartiality, and court-readiness.
If the assessment finds that someone lacks capacity for a specific decision, the report will clearly explain why and where appropriate recommend safeguards. This might include appointing a deputy through the Court of Protection, creating a best interests decision-making framework, or involving healthcare professionals in medical decisions. The report provides evidence to support whatever action is needed.
Yes. Capacity is not fixed. Someone may regain capacity as they recover from illness (for example, after a stroke), or lose capacity due to progressive conditions like dementia. Capacity can also fluctuate day-to-day or even hour-to-hour. This is why capacity must be assessed at the specific time the decision needs to be made.
Testamentary capacity is the legal ability to create or amend a will. It requires understanding the nature of making a will, the extent of your property, and the claims of potential beneficiaries. We assess this following the Banks v Goodfellow test, the legal standard established by case law. Testamentary capacity is one of the most common assessments we conduct.
COP3 stands for Court of Protection form 3. Every application to the Court of Protection must include a Mental Capacity Assessment. The COP3 form documents whether someone has capacity to manage their property and financial affairs. We can complete the COP3 form if our assessment finds that someone lacks capacity for finances or property decisions.
If you believe a mental capacity assessment is inaccurate or unfair, you can challenge it. You can request a second opinion from another qualified assessor, raise concerns with the original assessor or their organisation, or pursue legal challenge through the Court of Protection if necessary. Our assessments are peer-reviewed and CPR Part 35-compliant specifically to withstand scrutiny and challenge.
A certificate provider (Section 10 of the LPA form) is someone who confirms that the person creating the LPA understands what they're signing and is under no duress. We can act as certificate providers for LPAs, providing independent verification of capacity to create the power of attorney.
Yes. We provide mental capacity assessments across England and Wales, with both face-to-face and remote options available. Contact us to confirm coverage for your specific location or to discuss your situation.
Send us relevant background information such as medical history, current medications, and details about the specific decision being assessed. This helps us understand the context and tailor the assessment appropriately. You don't always need medical records, but any available information about the person's circumstances is helpful.
If the person is unwell, we would reschedule the assessment. It's important that they're able to show their best self during the assessment. Please inform us as soon as possible if rescheduling is needed. our standard terms and conditions apply.
Yes. If needed, our assessor can attend court to present their findings and answer questions, subject to an additional charge to cover travel costs, time at court, and related expenses. This is particularly valuable in contested cases where the assessment may be challenged.