Mental capacity and DOLS information for care organisations.
Browse our list of legal resources for care providers, or contact the team below and speak to them direct.
Information and useful links for mental capacity & DOLS.
In the care and healthcare sectors, few areas are as complex, sensitive, and legally important as mental capacity and deprivation of liberty. Whether you’re providing residential care, supported living, or children’s services, ensuring lawful and ethical decision-making for people who may lack capacity is essential — and closely scrutinised by regulators, local authorities, and the courts.
We provide specialist legal advice on all aspects of mental capacity law and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), helping care providers, healthcare organisations, and social care teams navigate their responsibilities with clarity and confidence. With deep experience in the practical application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, we support your team in making defensible, person-centred decisions that uphold the rights and dignity of those in your care.
Our team advises on mental capacity assessments, best interest decisions, care planning, and the lawful use of restrictions. We also provide support with urgent and standard DoLS applications, liaise with supervisory bodies, and advise on complex or disputed cases that may require input from the Court of Protection.
We understand the real-world challenges that come with supporting individuals who lack capacity — including balancing safety with independence, managing risks, dealing with family disagreements, and ensuring documentation is clear, compliant, and up to date. Our legal advice is always grounded in the practical realities of your work, helping you respond appropriately, avoid liability, and put the person at the heart of every decision.
We also support providers through CQC inspections, local authority reviews, and regulatory investigations where mental capacity and DoLS issues are under scrutiny. If concerns are raised, we’ll guide you through your legal obligations and help you respond transparently and effectively.
With upcoming changes to the legal framework — including the proposed implementation of the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) — staying informed and prepared is more important than ever. Our team is here to keep you ahead of developments and support you in embedding strong, lawful practices across your organisation.
Mental capacity isn’t just a legal issue — it’s a core part of delivering ethical, compassionate, and person-centred care. We’re here to help you get it right.
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