We work exclusively with solicitors, barristers, and legal professionals across the UK to provide independent psychiatric capacity assessments and CPR Part 35-compliant medico-legal reports.
Our assessors are independent psychiatrists — not social workers, nurses, or occupational therapists. In contested proceedings, that distinction carries material weight.
Why Solicitors Instruct Us
Psychiatrist-led, not social-worker-led. Every assessment is conducted by a GMC-registered independent psychiatrist with MRCPsych qualification and specialist expertise in medico-legal assessment. In contentious matters — contested Wills, Court of Protection proceedings, litigation capacity disputes — the professional standing of the assessor matters.
72-hour report turnaround. We understand that legal deadlines do not wait. Our standard turnaround from assessment to signed report is 72 hours. Urgent same-day or next-day reporting is available in exceptional circumstances.
UK-wide coverage. Our network of assessors covers the whole of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In-person assessments can be conducted at care homes, hospitals, solicitors’ offices, and residential addresses. A mileage-based travel supplement applies and will be confirmed in writing before instruction. Video assessments are available for suitable cases.
CPR Part 35 as standard. All reports include the required CPR Part 35 declaration of independence, a signed statement of truth, and the assessor’s CV. Reports are structured for straightforward use in court proceedings without requiring further adaptation.
Assessments We Provide for Legal Professionals
Testamentary Capacity — from £600 + VAT
Applying the Banks v Goodfellow (1870) test. Essential for solicitors taking instructions for a Will where there is doubt about the testator’s capacity, or where a retrospective opinion is required in a contentious probate claim.
LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) Capacity — from £600 + VAT
Assessment of capacity to execute a Property & Financial Affairs or Health & Welfare LPA under the MCA 2005. Required where the donor’s capacity is in question at the time of signing.
COP3 — Court of Protection — from £500 + VAT
Completion of the COP3 form by a registered medical practitioner as required for Deputyship applications and urgent Court of Protection orders.
Litigation Capacity — Certificate from £1,000 + VAT | CPR Part 35 Report from £1,500 + VAT
Assessment of a party’s capacity to conduct litigation and/or give instructions, as required under CPR Part 21. We provide both a litigation capacity certificate and, where required for contested proceedings, a full CPR Part 35-compliant expert report.
Retrospective Capacity Assessment — from £2,000 + VAT
Opinion on a person’s capacity at a historical point in time — commonly required in contested Wills, gift disputes, or LPA challenges. Based on review of contemporaneous medical records and, where available, witness evidence.
Equity Release / Lifetime Mortgage Capacity — from £600 + VAT
Assessment of capacity to enter into an equity release or lifetime mortgage agreement, increasingly required by lenders and financial advisers as standard due diligence.
Capacity to Make a Gift — from £600 + VAT
Assessment of capacity to make a significant financial gift, applying the principles established in Re Beaney [1978] and subsequent case law.
Sale of Property Capacity Assessment — from £600 + VAT
Assessment of capacity to instruct a sale of property, required where there is doubt about the vendor’s capacity at the point of instruction.
PA14 — Executor Lacks Mental Capacity — from £500 + VAT
Psychiatric assessment and report for Probate Registry purposes where an executor named in a Will lacks the mental capacity to act.
How to Instruct Us
- Contact us by telephone (0800 970 5174) or email (hello@mentalcapacityassess.co.uk).
- Provide brief background — type of assessment, individual’s location, relevant medical history, and your deadline.
- We confirm the assessor and fee — you’ll receive a written quote before we proceed, including any mileage costs for in-person assessments.
- Assessment is arranged — typically within 3–7 working days, or sooner for urgent cases.
- Report delivered — signed, CPR Part 35-compliant report within 72 hours of assessment.
Payment Terms for Solicitors
Solicitors and professional referrers are invoiced on instruction. Payment is due on receipt of invoice. We accept BACS transfer and card payment. VAT receipts are issued on payment. For firms with regular referral volume, please enquire about panel terms.
Frequently Asked Questions for Solicitors
Do your reports satisfy the COP3 requirement?
Yes. Our independent psychiatrists are registered medical practitioners and are qualified to complete the COP3 form as required by the Court of Protection.
Can you accept joint instructions?
Yes. We are experienced in accepting joint instructions from parties on both sides of a dispute and can provide a single joint expert (SJE) report where directed by the court or agreed by the parties.
Can the assessor be cross-examined?
Yes. Our assessors are experienced expert witnesses and are available to attend court or to be cross-examined by video link where required. A separate fee for court attendance will apply.
What is the difference between a litigation capacity certificate and a CPR Part 35 report?
A litigation capacity certificate is a shorter document confirming whether a party has capacity to conduct litigation, sufficient for case management purposes. A CPR Part 35-compliant report is a full expert witness report with reasoned opinion, suitable for contested hearings. We offer both — please advise which is required at the point of instruction.
Contact our professional referrals team: 0800 970 5174 | hello@mentalcapacityassess.co.uk