What is a COP3 Mental Capacity Assessment?

A COP3 assessment provides expert evidence to the Court of Protection on a person’s capacity to make specific decisions.

Which decisions can COP3 cover?

Typical decisions include deputyship for property and finances, deputyship for health and welfare, statutory wills, property sales and high-value gifts.

How quickly can I get a COP3 report?

Standard reports are usually completed within five working days, with express and urgent options available.

Need a Court of Protection COP3 capacity assessment signed fast?

Our multidisciplinary team of qualified professionals delivers fully court-compliant reports anywhere in England & Wales. We handle every step, from your first consultation to a deputyship-ready report, so you can focus on protecting your client or loved one. Compassionate, professional, nationwide support is just a click away—book your COP3 assessment today.

COP3 Mental Capacity Assessment – Court of Protection

CASE STUDY: A Timely Solution for COP3 Deputyship in Alzheimer's Dementia

David's wife, Janet, began experiencing memory difficulties after appointments with her local memory clinic and a specialist. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's Dementia followed, leading David to seek legal support for the future. He approached a solicitor to arrange Janet's Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application. However, concerns arose about Janet's mental capacity to grant LPA, potentially necessitating a COP3 Deputyship. With uncertainty looming, the solicitor advised David to contact Janet's GP for a mental capacity assessment. Frustratingly, three months passed with no response from the GP, and care home fees began mounting. The GP declined to perform the specific mental capacity assessment, leaving David in a challenging position. In stepped Nellie Supports, offering a swift solution. David reached out to us, and within two days, we assessed Janet's capacity to grant LPA. Unfortunately, due to the delay, Janet's condition had worsened, impeding her ability to retain information. Our experienced Social Workers concluded that she lacked sufficient mental capacity for the specific decision. To facilitate progress, our mental capacity assessor conducted a complimentary additional assessment, focusing on Janet's capability to independently manage her property and financial affairs. This allowed us to complete a COP3 Mental Capacity Assessment, bringing a sense of relief to Janet and David. With our thorough assessment in hand, their solicitor could finalise the deputyship application without further delays. This provided the assurance that David could assist his Mum effectively moving forward. At Nellie Supports, we understand the urgency of such situations and are dedicated to supporting families during challenging times. Our expert team ensures comprehensive mental capacity assessments, assisting in crucial decision-making processes. Whether it's Alzheimer's Dementia or any other mental capacity concern, Nellie Supports offers timely and reliable solutions, empowering families to navigate the complexities of COP3 Deputyship with confidence. At Nellie Supports, we understand the urgency of such situations and are dedicated to supporting families during challenging times. Our expert team ensures comprehensive mental capacity assessments, assisting in crucial decision-making processes. Whether it's Alzheimer's Dementia or any other mental capacity concern, Nellie Supports offers timely and reliable solutions, empowering families to navigate the complexities of COP3 Deputyship with confidence.

Our Assessment Process — clear, caring, and court-ready

Phone, email or book online and you’ll speak to a senior coordinator the same working day. We confirm the decision to be assessed, gather any medical or social-care history and check for safeguarding issues. This preparation means your assessor arrives fully briefed and the assessment runs smoothly.

Initial enquiry & triage

We arrange a visit—face-to-face or secure video—at the client’s convenience. A qualified professional (from our multidisciplinary team of social workers, psychologists and nurses) completes the Mental Capacity Act two-stage test and fills in Part B of the COP3 form. The conversation is gentle, jargon-free and decision-specific, with plenty of breaks if needed.

Assessment appointment

Your assessor writes a clear narrative explaining how the person’s condition affects their capacity for the decision in question. Every report goes through an internal legal-quality check to ensure it meets Court of Protection standards and answers all elements of the COP3 form.

Report drafting & peer review

You receive a secure PDF plus a signed hard copy. Minor amendments are free within 14 days, and your assessor remains available to clarify findings with solicitors or the court. We can also attend hearings (in person or by phone) if the judge requests expert evidence.

Delivery & ongoing support

What is Form COP3?

Form COP3 is the official Court of Protection Mental Capacity Assessment document for England & Wales. It accompanies a Court application—usually a COP1 Deputyship or Statutory Will—and provides the judge with independent evidence about a person’s decision-making ability. The form is split into two parts: Part A is completed by the applicant or their legal representative and captures background details: the person’s name, date of birth, relevant diagnosis and the specific decision(s) in question (for example, managing property and finances or choosing where to live). Part B is completed by a qualified assessor—typically a social worker, psychologist, nurse or doctor with expertise in capacity assessments. Using the Mental Capacity Act 2005 two-stage test, the assessor records whether an impairment of the mind or brain is present and explains how it affects the person’s ability to understand, retain, use or weigh information, and communicate a choice. The report must be decision-specific, time-specific and court-compliant: it cannot be a generic statement about someone’s overall abilities. The assessor includes details of any interviews, collateral information, and psycho-social factors considered, then signs and dates the declaration. An incomplete or outdated COP3 can delay proceedings, so courts expect the assessment to be recent—usually within the last six months—and clearly reasoned. Once submitted with the court bundle, COP3 guides the judge in deciding whether to appoint a deputy, make a one-off order, or take no action. A well-prepared form protects the individual’s rights, streamlines the legal process and reassures families, professionals and the court that the person’s best interests are central to every decision.

Typical decisions we assess

COP3 capacity assessments are decision-specific, so we’re asked to evaluate a wide range of matters. The most common include Deputyship for Property & Finances, appointing someone to manage bank accounts, pensions or the sale of a house, and Deputyship for Health & Welfare, covering medical treatment or day-to-day care.

We are frequently instructed for Statutory Wills when the Court of Protection must approve a will on behalf of someone who can no longer make one themselves, as well as for Contested or Amended Wills where capacity at the time of signing is disputed.

Other routine assessments involve granting or revoking a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), consenting to a Property Sale or Equity Release, choosing a Care-home placement, or making a High-value gift. Whatever the decision, our multidisciplinary team applies the Mental Capacity Act test rigorously and documents clear, court-ready findings tailored to the specific question before the Court.

Experience peace of mind with our comprehensive social work services at Nellie Supports. Our team of registered professionals, including qualified and experienced Social Workers, is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support. From mental capacity assessments to a wide range of social work services, our experts ensure accurate evaluations, personalised guidance, and the highest standards of practice. Trust in our registered professionals for a reassuring and trusted partnership on your care journey, backed by their expertise in both social work services and mental capacity assessments.