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PA14 Probate Medical Certificate Assessments
Court-ready PA14 assessments for probate applications where there are concerns about an executor’s or applicant’s capacity to deal with a Grant of Representation and estate administration.
If a named executor, administrator or person entitled to apply for probate may lack capacity, the Probate Registry may require a PA14 medical certificate before the estate can move forward. The quality of the assessment matters. A brief or unclear certificate can cause delay, create uncertainty, or lead to further questions from solicitors, families or the Probate Registry.
At Nellie Supports, we provide independent Mental Capacity Assessments across England and Wales, including PA14 probate medical certificate assessments. Our assessments are calm, respectful and evidence-based, with clear reasoning linked to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the specific probate decision being considered.
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What’s Included as Standard
Every Nellie Supports PA14 Probate Medical Certificate Assessment includes both the completed PA14 certificate and a full CPR Part 35-compliant, decision-specific mental capacity report as standard.
Home Visit or Video Call
We arrange either a home visit or video assessment, depending on the person’s needs, presentation, communication style and the circumstances of the probate matter. Where a face-to-face visit is most appropriate, we can arrange this across England and Wales.
Probate-Specific Capacity Assessment
The assessment focuses on the specific PA14 decision: whether the person has capacity in relation to the application for a Grant of Representation and the subsequent administration of the estate. This is different from a testamentary capacity assessment, which usually considers whether the deceased had capacity to make or change a will.
Mental Capacity Act 2005-Compliant Assessment
Our assessors apply the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to the probate decision being assessed. This includes considering whether the person can understand, retain, use or weigh the relevant information, and communicate their decision.
Review of Relevant Background Information
We review the information needed to understand the probate context, which may include solicitor correspondence, details of the deceased person, the proposed Grant of Representation application, relevant medical information, previous Mental Capacity Assessments, and information about the person’s current care or support needs.
Supportive Assessment Interview
The assessment is carried out as a calm, respectful and structured conversation. We take practical steps to help the person participate as fully as possible, including using clear language, appropriate pacing, breaks, prompts and communication support where needed.
Completed PA14 Medical Certificate and Full CPR Part 35-Compliant Capacity Report
Following the assessment, we complete the PA14 medical certificate for use in the probate process. This is included as standard and returned securely with the supporting report. Alongside the PA14 certificate, we provide a full decision-specific mental capacity report prepared in a CPR Part 35-compliant format. The report sets out the instruction, background evidence, relevant information, practicable steps taken, assessment findings, Mental Capacity Act analysis, conclusion and statement of truth.
COP3 Fees and Timescales
PA14 Certificate and Assessment Report
Enhanced Mental Capacity Assessment
Travel time, where applicable
£600.00
£3500.00
£40.00 per hour
5 to 10 Working Days
Why People Choose Nellie Supports for PA14 Assessments
Choosing the right professional to complete a PA14 matters. The certificate may be needed to help a probate application progress, but the supporting evidence behind it is just as important. A short or unclear PA14 can leave families, solicitors and probate professionals without enough reasoning to understand how the capacity opinion was reached.
At Nellie Supports, every PA14 assessment includes both the completed PA14 certificate and a full CPR Part 35-compliant, decision-specific mental capacity report as standard.
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PA14 Certificate and Full CPR Part 35 Report Included
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Probate-Specific Capacity Expertise
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Mental Capacity Act 2005-Compliant Reasoning
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Therapeutic, Person-Centred Assessment Interviews
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MoCA-Accredited Assessors
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Permanent Full-Time Assessment Team
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Internal Peer Review on Every Case
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Clear Communication With Families and Solicitors
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Nationwide Coverage Across England and Wales
What Happens During the PA14 Assessment
We understand that PA14 assessments often take place at a sensitive time for families. There may have been a recent bereavement, uncertainty about who can deal with the estate, or concern that probate is being delayed because a named executor or entitled applicant may lack capacity.
Our role is to make the assessment calm, respectful and clear, while still producing robust evidence for probate use.
A PA14 assessment will usually involve:
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confirming why the PA14 certificate is needed
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identifying the person being assessed and their connection to the deceased
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clarifying the probate decision in question, including the application for a Grant of Representation and subsequent administration of the estate
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reviewing relevant background information, such as solicitor correspondence, medical information, care records, previous assessments or family context
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explaining the purpose of the assessment in a way the person can understand
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taking practicable steps to support the person to participate, such as using clear language, appropriate pacing, breaks, prompts or communication support where needed
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identifying the relevant information the person needs to understand for the probate decision
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assessing whether the person can understand that relevant information
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assessing whether they can retain that information long enough to make the decision
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assessing whether they can use or weigh that information as part of the decision-making process
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assessing whether they can communicate their decision by any means
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considering whether any inability to make the decision is because of an impairment of, or disturbance in the functioning of, the mind or brain
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completing the PA14 medical certificate
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preparing a full CPR Part 35-compliant, decision-specific mental capacity report
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internally peer reviewing the certificate and report before secure delivery
Where appropriate, we can also complete Montreal Cognitive Assessment screening as part of the supporting evidence. This may be helpful where there is uncertainty about cognitive impairment, no formal diagnosis, or a need for additional objective evidence.
The assessment is not designed to catch the person out. It is designed to understand whether, with appropriate support, the person can make the specific probate-related decision being assessed.
Documents and information to prepare
You do not need to have everything ready before contacting us. We will guide you through what is needed and keep the process as straightforward as possible.
Where available, it is helpful to provide:
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the name and contact details of the person being assessed
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the name of the deceased person
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a copy of the will, if available
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any letter or email from the solicitor, Probate Registry or HMCTS explaining why the PA14 is needed
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brief details of the probate issue or Grant of Representation application
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any relevant medical information, such as a diagnosis, GP letter or hospital discharge summary
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details of the person’s current care or living arrangements
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any previous mental capacity assessments, if available
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information about communication needs, anxiety, fatigue, or the best time of day for the assessment
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contact details for the solicitor, family member or professional dealing with the probate matter
If some of this information is not available, that is not usually a problem. We can still discuss the case, confirm what is essential, and explain the next steps before the assessment is arranged.
What happens if the person lacks capacity?
If the assessment concludes that the person lacks capacity for the PA14 decision, the completed PA14 certificate and supporting CPR Part 35-compliant report provide evidence that can be used within the probate process.
For PA14 purposes, the relevant decision is whether the person can make decisions in relation to the application for a Grant of Representation and the subsequent administration of the estate. If they cannot do this, the evidence may help the solicitor, family or probate professional take the next procedural step. A finding that the person lacks capacity does not mean they lack capacity for every decision. It is specific to the probate decision being assessed.
Where the person lacks capacity, the next steps may include:
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the solicitor or applicant using the PA14 certificate as part of the probate application
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an alternative person applying to deal with the estate, where the probate rules allow this
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the family or solicitor considering whether any wider property, financial affairs, attorneyship or deputyship issues also need to be addressed
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further legal advice being taken if there is a dispute, uncertainty or urgency
Our role is to provide clear, independent evidence so that the people managing the probate matter can move forward with greater clarity and less avoidable delay.
Who This Assessment Is For
Our PA14 service is designed for families, solicitors and probate professionals who need clear evidence where a named executor, administrator or person entitled to apply for probate may lack capacity.
It may be needed where there are concerns about dementia, brain injury, mental illness, learning disability, cognitive decline or another condition affecting the person’s ability to make decisions about the probate process.
A PA14 assessment helps clarify whether the person can make decisions in relation to the application for a Grant of Representation and the subsequent administration of the estate. For wider decision-specific assessments, see our Mental Capacity Assessments service.
When You May Need a PA14 Assessment
A PA14 probate assessment is usually needed when there are concerns that a person cannot deal with the legal and practical responsibilities involved in applying for probate or administering an estate.
This commonly arises where a named executor can no longer act, where a solicitor needs evidence before progressing the application, where the Probate Registry has requested a PA14, or where a GP has declined or is unable to complete the certificate.
Many families seek a PA14 assessment because probate has stalled and clear, independent evidence is needed before the estate can move forward. Where the issue relates to a past decision, such as whether someone had capacity when they made a will, a retrospective mental capacity assessment or testamentary capacity assessment may be more appropriate.
What Is a PA14 Probate Medical Certificate?
A PA14 is a probate medical certificate used where there are concerns that a person lacks capacity in relation to an application for a Grant of Representation and the subsequent administration of the estate.
It is not a general opinion about whether someone has capacity overall. It is also different from a testamentary capacity assessment, which usually considers whether the deceased had capacity to make or change a will.
A strong PA14 assessment should explain the decision being assessed, the relevant information, the support provided, the person’s responses, and how the assessor reached their conclusion.
The Legal Test for a PA14 Assessment
A PA14 assessment must apply the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to the specific probate decision being assessed.
The question is not simply whether the person has a diagnosis, appears forgetful, or needs support in daily life. The question is whether they can make the specific decision about the Grant of Representation and estate administration at the time it needs to be made.
In practice, the assessment considers whether the person can understand, retain, use or weigh the relevant information, and communicate their decision.
Why Decision-Specific Matters
Mental capacity is not assessed in general terms. A person may have capacity for some decisions but not others.
For a PA14 assessment, the relevant question is whether the person can make decisions about the probate application and subsequent administration of the estate. This is different from whether they can manage every part of their finances, make an LPA, or make unrelated legal decisions.
That is why the assessment must focus on the actual probate decision in issue, rather than relying on broad assumptions about age, diagnosis, vulnerability or presentation. For other decisions, Nellie Supports also provides capacity to manage finances assessments, LPA capacity assessments, and capacity to instruct a solicitor assessments
What the Assessor Evaluates
At Nellie Supports, the assessment interview is approached as a structured, supportive conversation rather than a rigid or adversarial interview.
This reflects two core principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005: that a person must be assumed to have capacity unless it is established that they lack it, and that they should not be treated as unable to make a decision unless all practicable steps have been taken to help them do so.
The assessment is not designed to catch the person out. It is designed to understand whether, with appropriate support, they can make the specific probate-related decision being assessed.
Our Therapeutic Assessment Approach to PA14 Probate Capacity Assessments
This reflects two core principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005: Principle 1, that a person must be assumed to have capacity unless it is established that they lack it; and Principle 2, that a person is not to be treated as unable to make a decision unless all practicable steps have been taken to help them do so without success.
In PA14 Probate Capacity Assessments, our therapeutic assessment approach means the assessment interview is structured but not adversarial. The person should be supported to participate as fully as possible, with the assessor using clear language, appropriate pacing, reassurance, prompts or breaks where needed.
This is especially important because a capacity assessment is not designed to catch the person out. It is designed to understand whether, with appropriate support, the person can make the specific decision being assessed. In this context, the conversation should be sensitive to the probate context while exploring whether the person can understand the relevant decision, the estate administration issue and the effect of any impairment on property and affairs decision-making.
The therapeutic nature of the conversation does not reduce the evidential standard of the report. The written output has a different function: it records the decision assessed, the relevant information, the practicable steps taken, the person’s responses, the evidence considered and the reasoning behind the conclusion.
The written output serves a different function. Reports, reviews and written submissions are prepared to be evidence-based, decision-specific and clear, so that the reasoning can be understood by the person, family, professionals or formal decision-maker relying on the work.
How The Nellie Standard™ Applies to PA14 Probate Capacity Assessments
This service is delivered in accordance with The Nellie Standard™, Nellie Supports’ framework for evidence-led assessment, reporting and advocacy.
For PA14 Probate Mental Capacity Assessment, The Nellie Standard™ means the assessment is approached as evidence-led, decision-specific and capable of professional scrutiny. The purpose is not simply to record an opinion, but to identify the exact decision being assessed, clarify the relevant information, consider practicable steps to support the person, and apply the functional test under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
In this service, particular attention is given to capacity in relation to grant of representation, estate administration, property and financial affairs, and the evidential basis for the required certificate or report. The report should show what evidence was reviewed, what was observed during the assessment, what information came from records or collateral sources, and how that evidence supports the conclusion. A diagnosis, risk concern or family disagreement is not treated as a substitute for analysis.
Where the matter is complex, contested or likely to be relied upon by solicitors, deputies or the Court of Protection, the assessment may require fuller evidence review, careful consideration of limitations, and a clear explanation of the causal link between any impairment or disturbance and the person’s ability to understand, retain, use or weigh the relevant information or communicate the decision.
Evidence before opinion; Correct test first; Probate-specific analysis; Transparent reasoning; Clear conclusions; Capable of scrutiny
Common PA14 Assessment Questions
Yes. A PA14 assessment can usually be completed either face to face or remotely, depending on the person’s needs, presentation, communication style and the circumstances of the probate matter.
A face-to-face visit may be more appropriate where the person has significant cognitive impairment, communication needs, anxiety, fatigue, sensory impairment, or where the assessor needs to observe presentation and interaction more closely.
Remote assessment may be suitable where the person can engage clearly by video, the relevant information is available, and the assessment can still be completed fairly and robustly.
The assessment appointment length can vary depending on the person’s needs, the complexity of the probate issue and the amount of support required during the conversation.
Some assessments are relatively straightforward, while others need more time because the person requires breaks, reassurance, communication support, or careful explanation of the relevant probate information.
Our focus is not on rushing the appointment. The aim is to give the person a fair opportunity to participate while gathering the evidence needed for the PA14 certificate and full decision-specific report.
The assessor will ask questions designed to explore whether the person can understand, retain, use or weigh the relevant information about the probate decision, and communicate their decision.
This may include discussion about the deceased person, the role of an executor or administrator, the application for a Grant of Representation, what estate administration involves, and what may happen if the person cannot act.
The assessment is not designed to catch the person out. It is a structured, supportive conversation based on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the specific PA14 decision being assessed.
After the assessment, you receive the completed PA14 medical certificate and a full CPR Part 35-compliant, decision-specific mental capacity report as standard.
The report explains the background, relevant information, support provided, evidence considered, assessment findings, Mental Capacity Act analysis and the reasoning behind the conclusion.
The completed documents are internally peer reviewed before secure delivery, so the family, solicitor or probate professional has clear evidence to support the next step in the probate process.
Why Families Choose Nellie Supports for PA14 Assessments
Families often come to us when probate has stalled, a solicitor has asked for clearer evidence, or a GP is unable to complete the PA14 certificate. We understand that this usually happens at a difficult time, often after a bereavement, when families are already trying to manage uncertainty, paperwork and practical estate matters.
At Nellie Supports, we provide a calm, structured and supportive assessment process. Every PA14 assessment is completed in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, focusing on the specific probate decision in question rather than making broad assumptions about the person’s age, diagnosis or presentation.
Unlike a bare certificate-only service, our PA14 assessment includes both the completed PA14 medical certificate and a full CPR Part 35-compliant, decision-specific mental capacity report as standard. This gives families, solicitors and probate professionals clearer reasoning behind the conclusion and helps reduce avoidable delay where further explanation may be needed.
Families also choose Nellie Supports because our assessors are experienced in Mental Capacity Assessments across a wide range of legal and financial decisions, including capacity to manage finances, COP3 mental capacity assessments, testamentary capacity assessments, and retrospective mental capacity assessments. That wider experience is important where probate issues overlap with property, finances, wills, disputes or Court of Protection concerns. Our assessment interviews are therapeutic in approach, meaning the person is supported to participate as fully as possible. We use clear language, appropriate pacing, breaks and communication support where needed, while keeping the final report evidence-based, legally focused and suitable for probate use.
Every PA14 certificate and report is internally peer reviewed before delivery. This helps ensure the documentation is clear, consistent and robust before it is sent securely to the family, solicitor or professional dealing with the estate. We provide PA14 assessments across England and Wales, with home visits or remote assessments arranged where appropriate. If the matter is urgent, complex or disputed, we can discuss timescales at the enquiry stage and advise whether a standard PA14 assessment or a more enhanced capacity assessment pathway is most appropriate.
Our PA14 Assessment Process
We keep the PA14 process clear, supportive and efficient from the outset. Whether you are a family member, solicitor or probate professional, we guide you through each stage carefully so the completed PA14 certificate and decision-specific report are properly prepared for probate use.
Initial enquiry and triage
Contact us by phone, email or through our website form. We will ask a few key questions about the probate issue, the person who needs to be assessed, and why the PA14 certificate has been requested.
At this stage, we also confirm whether a PA14 assessment is the right route. If the issue is actually about a past will-making decision, we may explain whether a testamentary capacity assessment or retrospective mental capacity assessment may be more appropriate.
Quotation and booking
Once we understand the scope of the assessment, we provide a clear quotation, including VAT and any applicable travel costs. If you are happy to proceed, we arrange a suitable appointment as quickly as possible.
Appointments can be arranged face to face or remotely where appropriate. If timing is important, please tell us at the enquiry stage so we can advise on availability and the quickest realistic turnaround.
Assessment appointment
A qualified assessor meets with the person and completes a probate-specific capacity assessment in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
The assessment focuses on whether the person can make decisions in relation to the application for a Grant of Representation and the subsequent administration of the estate.
The conversation is structured and supportive, with practicable steps taken to help the person participate as fully as possible.
PA14 Certificate and Report Preparation
Following the assessment, we complete the PA14 medical certificate and prepare a full CPR Part 35-compliant, decision-specific mental capacity report as standard.
The report sets out the background, relevant information, evidence considered, practicable steps taken, assessment findings, Mental Capacity Act analysis and the reasoning behind the conclusion.
Secure Delivery and Next Steps
Your completed PA14 certificate and CPR Part 35-compliant report are delivered securely by email, usually to the person or professional who instructed the assessment.
The documents can then be used within the probate process. Where needed, we can also respond to reasonable clarification queries from the instructing solicitor or professional after delivery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A PA14 Probate Medical Certificate is used where there are concerns that a person lacks capacity to deal with an application for a Grant of Representation and the subsequent administration of an estate.
It is usually needed where a named executor, administrator or person entitled to apply for probate may not be able to act because of mental capacity concerns.
No. A PA14 assessment usually considers whether a living person has capacity to deal with probate and estate administration.
A testamentary capacity assessment considers whether someone had capacity to make or change a will. If the question is about capacity at a past date, a retrospective mental capacity assessment may also be needed.
At Nellie Supports, PA14 assessments are completed by experienced mental capacity assessors. Each assessment includes the completed PA14 certificate and a full CPR Part 35-compliant, decision-specific report as standard.
A GP may be able to complete a PA14 certificate if they are willing, available and able to provide the required capacity opinion.
Many families and solicitors come to Nellie Supports when a GP has declined, there is a delay, or a fuller report is needed to explain the reasoning behind the capacity conclusion.
The assessment considers whether the person can make decisions in relation to the application for a Grant of Representation and the subsequent administration of the estate.
The assessor applies the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including whether the person can understand, retain, use or weigh the relevant information, and communicate their decision.
Yes, where appropriate. Some PA14 assessments can be completed by video call if the person can engage effectively and the assessor can complete the assessment fairly and robustly.
A face-to-face assessment may be more appropriate where the person has significant cognitive impairment, communication needs, anxiety, fatigue, sensory impairment or complex presentation.
The report explains the background, evidence considered, relevant information, support provided, assessment findings, Mental Capacity Act analysis and the reasoning behind the conclusion.
The appointment length varies depending on the person’s needs, communication style, presentation and the complexity of the probate issue.
The completed PA14 certificate and report are usually delivered within the agreed timescale after the assessment. If the matter is urgent, we can discuss availability and turnaround at the enquiry stage.
If the assessment concludes that the person lacks capacity for the PA14 decision, the completed certificate and report can be used as evidence within the probate process.
The PA14 does not appoint someone else to act. It provides evidence so the family, solicitor or probate professional can consider the correct next step in dealing with the estate.
PA14 Probate Guides
Our PA14 probate guides explain when a PA14 medical certificate may be needed, what the assessment involves, and how capacity is considered where a person may be unable to deal with a Grant of Representation or estate administration.
They are written for families, solicitors and probate professionals who need clear, practical information about PA14 assessments, executor capacity, probate delays, GP refusals, and how PA14 differs from testamentary capacity assessments or retrospective mental capacity assessments.
What Decisions Can a COP3 Cover?
Answers the practical question: What Decisions Can a COP3 Cover? It covers the Mental Capacity Act framework, relevant information, practicable steps, evidence, common pitfalls and what a robust capacity report should explain for applicants, families, solicitors, deputies and Court of Protection professionals.
Common reasons COP3 forms are rejected
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What happens after a COP3 is completed
Answers the practical question: What happens after a COP3 is completed? It covers the Mental Capacity Act framework, relevant information, practicable steps, evidence, common pitfalls and what a robust capacity report should explain for applicants, families, solicitors, deputies and Court of Protection professionals.
How Long Does a COP3 Assessment Take?
Answers the practical question: How Long Does a COP3 Assessment Take? It covers the Mental Capacity Act framework, relevant information, practicable steps, evidence, common pitfalls and what a robust capacity report should explain for applicants, families, solicitors, deputies and Court of Protection professionals.
Discharge from the Court of Protection
A decision-specific guide to discharge from the Court of Protection. It covers the Mental Capacity Act framework, relevant information, practicable steps, evidence, common pitfalls and what a robust capacity report should explain for applicants, families, solicitors, deputies and Court of Protection professionals.
COP3 form explained
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Can My GP Complete a COP3?
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Who Can Complete a COP3 Assessment?
Answers the practical question: Who Can Complete a COP3 Assessment? It covers the Mental Capacity Act framework, relevant information, practicable steps, evidence, common pitfalls and what a robust capacity report should explain for applicants, families, solicitors, deputies and Court of Protection professionals.
How to Prepare for a COP3 Assessment
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We also provide mental capacity assessments for other decisions.
If you need a mental capacity assessment for a different legal, financial or welfare decision, our multidisciplinary team can help. Nellie Supports provides Mental Capacity Assessments across England and Wales for families, solicitors, deputies, attorneys, professionals and organisations.
Alongside PA14 probate assessments, we also provide COP3 mental capacity assessments, capacity to manage finances assessments, LPA capacity assessments, capacity to instruct a solicitor assessments, capacity to litigate assessments, property capacity assessments, trustee capacity assessments, testamentary capacity assessments, and retrospective mental capacity assessments.
Where a case is urgent, complex, disputed or likely to require more detailed evidence, we can also discuss whether an enhanced capacity assessment is more appropriate.