Court reports
Mental capacity assessments by an independent psychologist
Independent assessments of mental capacity, carried out by HCPC-registered psychologists and reported in a form that stands up to scrutiny. We take instructions through solicitors.
Testamentary capacity, lasting power of attorney and Court of Protection assessments
We assess capacity in relation to a specific decision at a specific time, in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Testamentary capacity, where a mental capacity assessment for a will is needed
- Capacity to make a lasting power of attorney
- Court of Protection proceedings, including decisions about property and affairs, or health and welfare
- Opinions in Court of Protection proceedings that may inform deprivation of liberty (DoLS) decisions, with recommendations for how restrictions might be reduced
- Capacity to conduct proceedings
- Capacity for a particular decision, where a specialist opinion is needed
How a mental capacity assessment works
- You get in touch
Tell us the decision in question, a little about the person, and any deadline.
- We confirm
Availability, any conflict of interest, and a fee, before you send papers.
- We assess
Usually in the setting where the person is most comfortable, alongside a review of the relevant records.
- We report
A written mental capacity assessment report, setting out the decision assessed, the evidence, and our conclusion with reasons.
Private mental capacity assessments for families, through your solicitor
If you are arranging a lasting power of attorney or a will for a relative and have been asked for a capacity assessment, we can help, but we take instructions through your solicitor.
The simplest route is to ask the solicitor drafting the document to instruct us. We will deal with them directly, and they will hold the report. If you are not sure what to ask for, email us and we will explain.
Who carries out the capacity assessment
Assessments are carried out by Dr Mareike Suesse, Consultant Clinical Psychologist (HCPC PYL32511), or by an associate psychologist with the relevant experience. Every clinician holds current HCPC or GMC registration, indemnity insurance and a DBS check.
Mental capacity assessments in London, the South East, the East of England and the Midlands
We are based in Cambridgeshire and take instructions from solicitors across London, the South East, the East of England and up to the Midlands, including Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. We assess at home, in care settings, in hospital or at your offices, and remotely where that is appropriate. For legally aided cases, travel is charged as public transport costs at Legal Aid Agency rates; for privately funded instructions it is included in the quote.
Questions about mental capacity assessments
Can a family arrange a private mental capacity assessment directly?
We take instructions through a solicitor. If you are arranging a lasting power of attorney or a will for a relative, ask the solicitor drafting it to instruct us, and we will deal with them directly.
Who can assess mental capacity?
Day to day, capacity is assessed by the person who needs the decision to be made, often a professional involved in someone’s care. Where the question is disputed or the stakes are high, such as a will, a lasting power of attorney or court proceedings, an independent assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist gives the solicitor and the court a clear, reasoned opinion. If you are asking who can do a mental capacity assessment for a will or a lasting power of attorney, the usual answer is an independent clinician instructed by the solicitor.
How much does a mental capacity assessment cost?
It depends on the decision in question, the complexity of the case and any travel. We confirm a fee before you send papers.
Can the capacity assessment be done at home?
Yes. We usually assess where the person is most comfortable, which may be at home, in a care setting or in hospital, or remotely where that is appropriate.
Do you carry out mental capacity assessments in London?
Yes. London is part of the area we cover, along with the South East, the East of England and up to the Midlands.
Track record and registrations
- 100+court reports written
for solicitors and the courts 
Dr Mareike Suesse, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
HCPC registration PYL32511
Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office
Every clinician insured and DBS checked
Instruct us
Solicitors can send a short note about the person and the decision in question.