Deprivation of Liberty Solicitors

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 contains Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) so that where a person lacking capacity is deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital, the Local Authority or Primary Care Trust may authorise the Deprivation of Liberty (DoL).

Deprivation of Liberty in these circumstances does not just cover the situation in which a person is actually ‘locked up’ but also those where there is such a degree of control over the person’s care and movements that this amounts to a DoL.

Applications can be made to the Court of Protection about whether the DoL is lawful. The court then can vary or terminate the arrangements for the protected party.

Our Deprivation of Liberty expertise

Our Court of Protection solicitors advise on challenging DoLS authorisations. We represent clients and/or their relatives at court in these applications made by local authorities.

Our solicitors work with clients across the UK from our offices in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, in Bedminster, Bishopston, Bristol city centre, Kingswood and Thornbury.

Court of Protection Partner, Tom Sharkey, is on the Law Society’s Mental Capacity Panel and represents the subject of these applications when the court appoints him to do so.

Contact our Deprivation of Liberty solicitors

For help and advice about Deprivation of Liberty, or any Court of Protection matter, contact our specialist solicitors in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Call us on 0117 325 2929 or complete our online enquiry form.

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    • "Very pleased with Lisa Morgan. She was so helpful; any questions I asked she helped me with."
      AnonCourt of Protection Client
    • “Tom was very helpful in what was an uncomfortable family situation. His advice was always clear and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble.”

      Mr and Mrs LloydCourt of Protection Clients
    • “It was particularly helpful that Mr Holdsworth held meetings at venues to suit myself/family, i.e. the local office and care centre.”
      AnonCourt of Protection Client
    • “I was struggling to understand the Lasting Power of Attorney process online, and John explained every step and was very patient in answering all my questions, for which I am very grateful.”

      AnonCourt of Protection Client
    • "I would like to convey my sincere thanks for the prompt attention we have received."
      AnonCourt of Protection Client

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