Since the coming into force of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in October 2007, there is now a clearly defined body of law relating to those with impaired decision-making capacity. A critical aspect of this involves applications to the Court of Protection in urgent cases of difficulty or dispute. Our barristers have been instrumental in shaping that law, and, in turn, assisting individuals and public bodies in making applications at very short notice.

Urgent applications most often arise in the medical treatment context. Our barristers are instructed on behalf of hospital trusts and other medical agencies, private bodies, relatives and the Official Solicitor.

We offer a 24-hour service to assist in medical treatment cases, whether by way of advice or representation at out-of-hours hearings, as we are acutely aware that difficulties and disputes arise outside the standard working day. Given our experience, we are confident of being able to find the most appropriate way to resolve disputes or obtain the necessary court orders.

Our barristers also make urgent applications in relation to other issues such as deprivation of liberty, contact, forced marriage, or securing against financial abuse.

Our barristers appear at all hours of the day or night in cases in the Court of Protection.