Appointed as a lay deputy, then expected to work it out alone.
If you've just received your Court of Protection order, one question comes up fast: what do I do now?
You're not alone. Most deputies are given legal responsibility, but not enough practical support.
What does it actually mean to be a lay deputy?
A lay deputy for property and financial affairs is appointed by the Court of Protection to manage money for someone who lacks capacity.
Most are family members. You usually take on the role because it is needed, not because you trained for it.
The role is formal, ongoing, and accountable to the OPG from day one.
What a lay deputy is legally required to do
Your order defines your powers, but most deputies still need to:
- Managing P's bank accounts and income — including any benefits, pension, or salary
- Paying P's bills, rent, care fees, and day-to-day expenses
- Keeping detailed financial records of every transaction
- Completing the annual deputy report (OPG102 or OPG103, depending on your supervision level) and returning it to the Office of the Public Guardian on time
- Liaising with banks, benefits agencies, care providers, and other organisations on P's behalf
- Making financial decisions in P's best interests — with reference to the Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Protecting P's assets and ensuring they are used appropriately
This is a significant responsibility, and it’s easier with the right tools and support.
Where deputies usually get stuck
Most deputies are expected to learn by doing, while still meeting strict legal and reporting obligations.
In practice, the hardest parts are usually:
- Keeping complete records all year, not just at report time
- Navigating banks, providers, and official processes with little guidance
- Making important decisions without a clear support network
The OPG helpline can help, but it is not a personalised support service for day-to-day case decisions.
Why better support matters
Without a clear system, admin pressure compounds each year and can make a challenging role feel overwhelming.
Professional support can help, but it is often expensive for families. Doing everything alone can be isolating.
DeputyCo exists to close that gap with practical tools and peer support.
The problem is clear. So is the support.
DeputyWise helps you manage the admin. The DeputyCo Community helps you do it with others, not in isolation.