Parents, decision making powers and young adults incapacity

When young adults 16 and over have capacity they make their own decisions.
This can include the right to appoint an attorney to make decisions for them.
This can include allowing the attorney to make financial or welfare decisions for them.
But welfare decisions can only be made by the attorney if the young adult loses capacity.
Where a young adult has no capacity a court application for Guardianship is required.
This is necessary for “big” decisions such as accommodation changes, medical and care issues.
Until a “big” decision is required routine decisions usually continue to be made by parents. Everyone is encouraged to acquire Guardianship powers quickly to become the official decision maker.
This sometimes includes passport applications/renewals.
This can include decisions about money benefits which can be paid by the DWP to parents.
Urgent medical decisions can still be made by doctors.
When a “big” decision has to be made parents must apply for a Guardianship.
Should parents/carers not apply for a Guardianship the local authority may apply.