Private mental capacity assessments in London & the Home Counties
Dr. Pather provides private mental capacity assessments for older people for a range of legal and healthcare needs.
These include COP3 forms for deputyship, creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), making an advance decision (living will), and assessing testamentary capacity for wills.
Private Mental Capacity Assessments in London and the Home Counties
When carrying out mental capacity assessments, which locations do you cover?
Dr. Pather conducts face-to-face capacity assessments for older people in London and the Home Counties. For testamentary capacity assessments and those for advance decisions in the absence of cognitive impairment, they are also conducted remotely.
What is a private mental capacity assessment?
It is an assessment of an individual’s ability to make specific decisions in accordance with the legal tests set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and the case of Banks v Goodfellow for testamentary capacity (making a will).
Why should I book a private mental capacity assessment with Dr. Pather?
Dr. Pather is an experienced doctor in the speciality of geriatric medicine who also has a master’s degree in medical law, so she is knowledgeable about mental capacity.
When should an older person have a private mental capacity assessment?
For deputyship applications (COP3)
Making an advance decision / directive (living will). Mental capacity is a necessary requirement for the validity of an advance decision.
Making a lasting power of attorney (LPA) if there is any doubt about a person’s ability to make this decision/s, e.g. mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.
Making or changing a will even in the absence of cognitive impairment. This is due to wills often being contested in court, with aggrieved parties contending that the person making the will (testator) lacked the mental capacity to do so. Robust evidence of capacity reduces the chances of a successful legal challenge. See details of my testamentary capacity service.
What does the price include?
The price of the mental capacity assessment includes: reading the information surrounding the decision to be assessed in advance of the appointment (e.g. GP records or details of the estate and beneficiaries in the case of testamentary capacity), conducting the capacity assessment and provision of a report within 7 days .
Trust Dr. Pather for your Private Mental Capacity Assessment
If you need help to make an important legal or healthcare decision, a private mental capacity assessment is a way to offer reassurance and peace of mind.
Dr. Pather works with people across London and the Home Counties to provide expert assessments. As a doctor and with a medical law degree, she is perfectly placed to provide advice that meets legal standards and to support families through what can often be a difficult time.