Court of Protection costs: the OPG105 form
In March 2016 the new OPG105 form for Court appointed deputies was introduced as an additional measure for the Office of the Public Guardian to understand the costs of Court of Protection matters. This is in line with changes to increase safeguarding measures and will provide a better overview of the fees and charges being used in cases concerning vulnerable clients.
This fee insert form goes hand in hand with the introduction of the OPG102 (property and financial decisions) and OPG104 (health and welfare), tailored forms specific to the case details, replacing the old combined forms creating a more comprehensive and straightforward process.
This form acts very much like a budget, and ensures that all costs are held to be reasonable and proportionate to the client’s estate and the work undertaken for that client. It consists of estimates for the next reporting year and is to detail any predicted time with the client, their family, case managers, care providers and others together with any standard documentary work.
The 20% rule applies whereby any Bill of Costs exceeding that estimate by 20% must be accompanied by a satisfactory explanation for the same to be considered by the SCCO on assessment. The importance of maintaining good case management and ensuring fees and estimates are accurate throughout the matter is emphasised to ensure that Bills are not drastically reduced on assessment.
All new forms and guidance can be found here
Back to summary