Find your route
Court of Protection pathway quiz
Five questions, then a plain-English recommendation with links to the right forms and tools. Nothing you answer is saved or sent anywhere.
1. Is someone at immediate risk of harm, or is an urgent medical or discharge decision happening in the next few days?
Urgent means days, not weeks — an unsafe discharge, a sudden move, or a treatment decision about to be made.
2. Did the person make a Lasting Power of Attorney (or an older Enduring Power of Attorney) while they had capacity?
Check with the Office of the Public Guardian if you are not sure — a registered LPA often removes the need for court.
3. Is the decision mainly about money — bank accounts, benefits, a property or paying for care?
Property and affairs decisions follow a different route to decisions about care and where someone lives.
4. Is the person under continuous supervision and not free to leave where they live?
This is the Cheshire West 'acid test'. It usually means a deprivation of liberty needs authorising.
5. Have you already raised your concern with the council, ICB or provider and not got it resolved?
Courts expect you to have tried the ordinary routes first, unless it is genuinely urgent.