A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a trusted person (or persons) assigned to make decisions on behalf of someone who lacks capacity to make decisions for themselves. Crucially, LPAs are assigned by an individual while they still have capacity, as a means of preserving their wishes should they become unable to make decisions for themselves at some point in the future.
Read More »Understanding the difference between LPA and Deputy
In the first part of our blog series on the Adults with Incapacity Act (Scotland), we examined the background of the Act, and how it applies the terms ‘adult’ and ‘incapacity’ in context. In this week’s blog, we consider some of the AWI’s guiding principles, alongside the assessment process, and how it differs from the Mental Capacity Act as it applies south of the border.
Read More »Adults with Incapacity Act (Scotland): Part 2
Mental capacity to litigate refers to an individual’s ability to follow, understand and engage with litigation proceedings. This includes the process of conducting affairs through a solicitor.
Read More »What is capacity to litigate?
Testamentary Capacity refers to an individual’s legal mental capacity to create or amend their Will. In cases where there is either a reasonable belief that the individual may lack capacity to complete their Will, or that there may be challenges to the Will in future, it is best practice to request an Independent Mental Capacity Assessment to safeguard the decision.
Read More »Testamentary Capacity: Making a Will
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has published updated guidance for lay deputies and what they must do to meet the standards of the role. These can be found on the Government website, where there are also additional standards for public authority figures, and professionals who may also be assigned the role of deputy.
Read More »New guidance for Lay Deputies
The causative nexus is an essential part of any mental capacity assessment as it provides a clear rationale for whether the person being assessed has capacity to make a specific decision.
Read More »Understanding the causative nexus
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) enables a person to make the advanced decision to assign a person (or persons) to help make decisions, or to make decisions on their behalf if unable to in the future. This role is set out in the Mental Capacity Act and provides greater legal rights than the position of Next of Kin.
Read More »How to apply for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
Mental Capacity can be impacted by an impairment or disturbance of the brain that directly affects cognitive functioning. In today’s blog we look at a selection of short-term and long-term conditions that can be a direct factor.
Read More »What can affect Mental Capacity?
In everyday healthcare practice we are directed by legislation and best practice guidance to gain informed consent for medical interventions, care plans and, broadly speaking, any professional interaction. This includes consent to be photographed, which in years gone by would have included use on medication charts (MARS sheets), care plans and care provider notice boards. In more recent years, it also includes the use of photos shared on social media, email and messaging services such as WhatsApp.
Read More »Mental capacity in practice: Consent to be photographed
If someone is unable to demonstrate mental capacity to assign a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), and is unable to manage either their health and welfare or property and financial affairs, then an application can be made to the Court of Protection (COP) to assign a deputy to said role if appropriate.
Read More »COP3 Mental Capacity Assessments for Deputyship