Step by step

Printable COP checklist

Every stage of a Court of Protection application in order, from checking whether court is needed to what happens after the hearing. Tick items here — your ticks stay in this browser — or download the printable PDF.

Free for families. Nothing you tick is sent anywhere.

Step 1 — Check court is really needed

Judges expect families and services to try less formal routes first. It also saves months.

Tick as you go

0 of 5 done

Ask whether an LPA, advance decision or best-interests meeting could settle it
Request a best-interests meeting in writing and ask for the minutes
Ask for an IMCA or independent advocate for P
Put the disagreement in writing to the Local Authority or ICB and keep the reply
Note the exact decision that is in dispute (it must be decision-specific)

Step 2 — Get the capacity position clear

Capacity is presumed. The court needs evidence about this decision, at this time.

Tick as you go

0 of 5 done

Ask for a copy of any mental capacity assessment already carried out
Check the assessment names the specific decision and date
Note any support that was not given before the assessment
Consider an independent capacity assessment if you disagree
Record P's own wishes, feelings, beliefs and values in P's words

Step 3 — Gather your papers

Your bundle is only as strong as the documents behind it.

Tick as you go

0 of 6 done

Care and support plan, and any recent reviews
Health records, diagnoses and medication list relevant to the decision
Placement or accommodation paperwork, contracts and notices
Safeguarding referrals, incident reports and body maps
Emails and letters with the Local Authority, ICB or provider (in date order)
Your own contact and incident log with dates, times and who was present

Step 4 — Complete the application forms

Most applications are delayed by incomplete or unsigned forms.

Tick as you go

0 of 7 done

COP1 — main application form
COP1A (property & affairs) or COP1B (personal welfare) as appropriate
COP3 — assessment of capacity, completed by a suitable professional
COP4 — deputy's declaration, if applying to be deputy
COP24 — witness / position statement setting out the facts
Fee: pay the application fee or apply for help with fees (EX160)
Check every form is signed and dated before filing

Step 5 — Write an objective statement

The court decides in P's best interests, not on who argues hardest.

Tick as you go

0 of 5 done

Facts first: what happened, when, who was there, what the record says
Keep P at the centre — what P wants, needs and has always valued
Avoid blame, insults or speculation about motives
Say clearly what order you are asking the court to make
Cross-reference each fact to a page in your bundle

Step 6 — File and serve

Everyone entitled to know must be told, in the right way, in time.

Tick as you go

0 of 5 done

File the application with the Court of Protection and keep the receipt
Notify P personally in a way P can understand (COP14 / COP20A)
Notify other family members and interested parties
File certificates of notification within the deadline
Diarise every deadline the court gives you

Step 7 — Urgent situations

If P is at immediate risk, you can ask for an urgent or interim hearing.

Tick as you go

0 of 4 done

Say plainly what harm will happen and by when
Use COP9 for an application within existing proceedings
Attach the evidence of risk (emails, incident reports, medical notes)
Tell the other parties unless there is a genuine reason not to

Step 8 — Prepare for the hearing

Calm, prepared, paginated — that is what helps the judge and helps P.

Tick as you go

0 of 5 done

Build a paginated bundle with an index
Prepare a one-page summary of your position
Note your three key points — do not over-litigate every issue
Check the hearing time, venue or video link details
Arrange support: someone with you, breaks, and adjustments if you need them

Step 9 — After the hearing

Orders only work if they are followed and monitored.

Tick as you go

0 of 5 done

Read the order carefully and note every direction and date
Chase anything the other parties were ordered to do
Keep logging how the order is working in practice for P
Ask for a review or return to court if circumstances change
Look after yourself — this is a marathon, not a sprint

Next steps

General information only — not legal advice.