Explanatory Notes

Mental Capacity Act 2005

2005 CHAPTER 9

7 April 2005

Commentary on Sections

Part 2: the Court of Protection and the Public Guardian

Practice and procedure

Section 50: Applications to the Court of Protection

136.This section provides that persons listed in subsection (1) can apply to the Court of Protection as of right while others generally will be required to obtain permission from the court. Court of Protection Rules can, however, provide that certain types of application will not require permission. The factors that the court must have regard to when considering whether to grant permission are listed in subsection (3) and are designed to ensure that any proposed application will promote the interests of the person concerned, rather than causing unnecessary distress or difficulty for him.