v BRINGING THE GOOD NEWS TO YOU SINCE 1994 v 14th May 2026 • The HERALD • Page 63 LJM Bookkeeping Services I provide a range of accounting and business services to individuals, partnerships, charities and small businesses. I am licenced through the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers for the following services. Bookkeeping, Computerised Accounting Software, Final Year End Accounts, Payroll Management, CIS, VAT, Self Assessment Tax for Individuals and Construction Industry Scheme, Statutory Accounts for Small Businesses including Corporation Tax and related submissions, Holiday cover can also be provided for, hourly rates charged. Please contact Lynda McIntyre Email: ljmbookkeepingservices@gmail.com Telephone: 07774 790543 ASK A PROFESSIONAL When a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves, families o en feel unsure about what to do next. In this article, Kelly explains what a deputyship order is, when it is needed, and how the process works. A deputyship order is a legal appointment made by the Court of Protection. It gives someone authority to make decisions on behalf of a person who lacks the mental capacity to make those decisions independently. e person appointed, known as the deputy, must ensure that all decisions are made in the individual’s best interests and in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act. Most deputyships relate to property and nancial a airs, although in some circumstances the Court may also grant authority to make decisions about health and welfare. A deputyship order is usually required where someone has already lost mental capacity and did not put a lasting power of attorney in place beforehand. is may be due to dementia, a brain injury, serious illness or a learning disability. If important decisions need to be made about money, property or care and there is no valid power of attorney, an application to the Court of Protection is o en the only option. e most common type of deputyship covers property and nancial a airs. is allows the deputy to manage bank accounts, pay bills, handle pensions or bene ts and look a er property. Health and welfare deputyships are granted far less o en and usually only where ongoing care or medical decisions cannot be resolved in any other way. Deputies are often close family members or trusted friends, although in more complex cases a professional deputy may be appointed. e Court considers whether the proposed deputy is suitable, organised and able to act responsibly at all times. e application process begins with a formal assessment of mental capacity, followed by a detailed application to the Court and noti cation of relevant people. If approved, the deputy must register with the O ce of the Public Guardian and meet ongoing duties, including keeping records and submitting annual reports. For anyone facing the need for a deputyship order, early advice can make the process far less daunting. TMT Legal Services o ers practical, sensitive support from the initial application through to ongoing deputyship guidance. To nd out how we can help, contact our friendly team for an informal discussion on: 0333 188 4758, or pop into one of our o ces in Hythe, Chandler’s Ford or Bitterne Village. Visit: www.tmtlegalservices.co.uk for more information. Understanding Deputyship Orders by Kelly Dawkins, Head of Private Client at TMT Legal Services Kelly Dawkins, Head of Private Client at TMT Legal Services
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