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When the Court Asks for a COP3
Whether your child is approaching 18 and you want to keep supporting them into adulthood, or the Court needs clarity after a personal injury or medical negligence claim, a COP3 report gives the judge the evidence they need on financial capacity — today and for the future.
Our approach: conversation, not interrogation
A COP3 assessment might sound formal and intimidating, but our approach is anything but that. We conduct assessments in a relaxed, child-centred way, tailored to the individual young person—not a rigid tick-box exercise.
Sometimes this means sitting on the floor building Lego together, using the cost of the bricks to explore their understanding of money. Other times, we work entirely through visual aids when verbal communication isn’t possible. And when a young person can’t engage directly, we spend time alongside them, gathering insights from their interactions and speaking with family members who know them best.
Every assessment is personalised, age-appropriate, and respectful of the young person’s comfort. Our goal is consistent: to provide the Court with clear, legally robust evidence while making the process as natural and stress-free as possible for the child or young adult.
Who can complete a COP3?
A COP3 assessment might sound formal and intimidating, but our approach is anything but. We carry out assessments in a relaxed, child-centred way, tailored to the unique needs of the young person—not as a rigid tick-box test.
Sometimes this means sitting on the floor building Lego together, using the cost of the bricks to explore their understanding of money. Other times, we rely on visual aids when verbal communication isn’t possible. And if a young person can’t engage directly, we spend time alongside them, observing and gathering insights from family members who know them best.
Every assessment is personalised, age-appropriate, and respectful of the young person’s comfort. Our goal is consistent: to provide the Court with clear, legally sound evidence while keeping the process natural and stress-free for the child or young adult.
Why a capacity check before signing is so important
You’ll typically encounter a COP3 assessment when your child is approaching 18 and you’re applying for financial deputyship. It often arises if your child is due to receive a personal injury or medical negligence settlement, if there are serious concerns about their ability to manage money as an adult, or simply because the Court requires firm evidence of capacity before granting deputyship powers.
For many families, this is the first time the Court of Protection becomes involved, and it can feel overwhelming. The COP3 assessment isn’t about labelling your child; it’s about providing the judge with clear, professional evidence to ensure your child’s future finances are properly protected. Think of it as a formal report demonstrating whether your child can understand, weigh up, and make decisions about money—not just now, but looking ahead into adulthood.
Most importantly, it’s not about conflict. It’s about putting the right protections in place so you can continue being the advocate you’ve always been, with the legal authority to support your young person’s needs well into their adult life.
COP3 Capacity Assessments for Children & Young People
Plain-English Support. Child-Centred Reports.
As your child approaches 18, the paperwork can feel overwhelming. If the Court of Protection requires proof about whether your child can make decisions regarding money, health, or care, a COP3 capacity assessment will be needed.
That’s where we come in. Our team listens carefully to your child, keeps the process relaxed, and produces reports that are:
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Child-First: Reflecting their voice, pace, and story.
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Court-Ready: Clear, evidence-based, jargon-free, and fully compliant with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
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Family-Friendly: Written in plain language that anyone can understand (no law degree required).
What Is a COP3 Assessment?
A COP3 assessment is the Court of Protection’s official way of obtaining clear, independent evidence about whether a child or young person can make specific decisions for themselves. These mental capacity assessments can cover a wide range of areas—from everyday choices to complex medical or financial matters.
The most common, and often most important, use of a COP3 assessment is for deputyship orders. This is where the Court needs to determine if your child can manage their own finances or make decisions about their health and care.
Each area—finances, health, and care—is treated as a separate decision, and the Court considers each one individually. The COP3 assessment provides the judge with a clear picture of what your child can do now, and what’s realistic as they approach adulthood.
Why families trust Little Nellie's
Little Nellie’s is proud to be part of Nellie Supports Social Work Practice—the UK’s leading experts in mental capacity assessments. When you come to us for a COP3 assessment, you’re not just getting a single assessor; you’re backed by a whole practice that has completed thousands of these reports across England and Wales.
Our dedicated team works exclusively with us, conducting COP3 assessments daily. They bring deep knowledge, extensive experience, and true independence—producing impartial, legally robust reports that the Court of Protection trusts time and again.
With Little Nellie’s, you receive parent-first, straight-talking support that makes the process clear and human, combined with the strength and expertise of the UK’s most experienced mental capacity specialists. In other words: the perfect blend of empathy and expertise.
COP3 costs – clear and upfront
Clear, fixed fees — all the way to tribunal.
Let’s talk money, because we know that’s the next question. Whether it’s a single COP3 for finances or a dual assessment that covers both finance and health, we keep our fees transparent from the start.
What you see in your quote is exactly what you’ll pay — the assessment itself, our professional judgement, and a Court-ready report.
No hidden charges, no last-minute surprises. Just clear, fair pricing so you can focus on your child’s future, not the bill.
COP3 Mental Capacity Assessment (Finance or Health):
£496
Dual COP3 Capacity Assessment (both in one visit):
£767
All prices are listed before VAT. If we need to travel to you, we’ll agree travel costs in advance — no hidden extras. For a personalised quote that fits your young persons needs, get in touch with us today.
Our process
Step 1 – Free Call & Written Quote
It all starts with a free, no-pressure call. We listen to your situation, explain the COP3 assessment process, and provide a clear, written quote—no jargon, no hidden fees.
Step 2 – Meet Your Specialist Assessor
You’ll be matched with one of our expert assessors, who will arrange a relaxed home visit. Whether it’s chatting over Lego, using visual aids, or simply spending quiet time alongside your young person, our assessor finds the best way to explore decision-making capacity in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Step 3 – Expert Report Writing
Back at our head office, your assessor drafts a full COP3 report to the legal standard of “balance of probabilities.” Every report undergoes an internal review to ensure it’s watertight and fully Court-compliant.
Step 4 – Submission-Ready Delivery
We send the final, secure report to you or your solicitor—ready to be filed with the Court of Protection. Clear, robust, and Court-ready.
Not Just Talk — Credentials That Count
We’re not a Facebook group or a “well-meaning mate.” We’re fully qualified, regulated professionals — with the badges to prove it.
✔ Member of BASW – British Association of Social Workers
✔ Member of Court of Protection Practitioners Association
✔ Accredited with Financial Vulnerability Taskforce
✔ Trusted SOLLA Affiliate – Society of Later Life Advisers
✔ Registered with Social Care Wales
Every assessment and appeal is handled by experts who know the law, the system, and how to fight your corner — with compassion and clarity.
Not sure where to start? Let's Talk.
Every family’s fight is different. Drop us a message or pick up the phone — we’ll listen, no jargon, no pressure.
