Preliminaries of the Guardianship process including applying for legal aid

Your solicitor processes all Legal Aid forms after initial meeting.
The person who has lost capacity is called the “adult” in this context.
ID for all applicants, substitute Guardians and the “adult” must be seen.
Except when the “adult” is in care or hospital where a letter from either confirms identity.
Solicitor must get preliminary evidence of incapacity for the Legal Aid application.
This evidence need not be as detailed as the medical reports needed by the court later.
So this could be a brief medical report or communication from social worker or relative.
Once this is available Legal Aid application is lodged – usually granted within 14 days.
When Legal Aid is granted preparations for court action can be started.
The Court papers can be drafted in about a week.
They are sent to Local Authority for appointment of Mental Health Officer – can be a long queue!
The current delay depends on your area and is usually between 6 and 12 months - for some local authorities it even longer.
While waiting other evidence can be obtained re suitability of applicant and other matters.
Once the Mental Health Officer appointed the formal Guardianship process gets under way.