Register a CoP order
If you already have a CoP order, you’ll need to register it with us before you can use it.
A Court of Protection (CoP) order is a legal document that lets a person (the ‘deputy’, in legal documentation) make decisions about property and finances on behalf of someone who, due to mental incapacity, can no longer make those decisions themselves (the ‘donor’). The process of setting it up can be complicated, and it’s often needed at a difficult time, which is why we’re here to support you in any way we can.
Register a CoP order
If you already have a CoP order, you’ll need to register it with us before you can use it.
A CoP order is a legal document that gives a deputy the authority to make decisions on behalf of a donor who’s no longer able to make decisions for themselves due to mental capacity limitations.
Visit the government website to find out how to apply to become a court-appointed deputy and the fees involved. If your application is urgent or an emergency, you can apply for an emergency interim order.
For all types of CoP order
There are two types of deputy, you can apply to be just one type of deputy or both.
Being someone’s deputy comes with responsibilities and rules on what you must or mustn’t do – anything you do must be in the person’s best interests. You’ll be supervised by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), so it’s important that you understand your responsibilities as a deputy.
If there’s more than one deputy, you’ll need to specify how you’ll act together to make decisions. We explain the two options available for this below.
Jointly and severally
Deputies can choose to act independently or together. They can manage the donor’s account in Telephone Banking and Online Banking, and have a debit card for their account.
Jointly
All deputies will need to be present to carry out a transaction and they won’t be able to manage the donor’s account using Telephone Banking or Online Banking, or have a debit card for their account.
They can manage a donor’s affairs. This includes
How deputies can manage the donor’s accounts will depend on whether they’re appointed to act ‘jointly’, or ‘jointly and severally’ – see the section above for details.
Deputies should keep accounts of any decisions made about the donor’s assets, income, spending and outgoings, as these will need to be reported to the OPG each year.
Online
You can submit your CoP details and documents online using the form below.
You will need to have a certified copy of your legal document (see Information section below).
You will also need this link if you have already been to see us and need to upload your legal documents.
Important: If you have a Court of Protection Interim order (also known as an emergency order), you will not be able to use this online option and will need to call us on 0345 075 74751 and choose option 1.
Information
You can certify a document as a true copy of the original by getting it signed and dated by a professional person.
A certified copy should be certified by a professional person or someone well-respected in the community (“of good standing”).
These may include:
The certifier should not be related to, living at the same address as or in a relationship with the person who is the subject matter of the certified copy.
Special rules may apply to the certified copy, particularly if the original is issued outside the UK or by a non-UK party.
Come and see us
You may prefer to come and see us to register your CoP. You can book an appointment with us at a branch or Barclays local using the links below.
If you do not already bank with us, you will need identity documents such as a passport or a photocard driving licence.
Only the deputies need to attend – the donor does not. If there is more than one deputy, they can do this separately, at different times and in different branches. If they are acting ‘Jointly’ we will only set up access once they have all visited us.
Your appointment will last for about an hour.
Call us for more options
If you are having difficulty using the online form and you are unable to come and see us, or if you have a Court of Protection Interim (emergency order), you can call us on 0345 075 74751 and choose option 1.
We will explain your options to register your authority and what you need to send us.
If you do not already bank with us, you will need identity documents such as a passport or a photocard driving licence.
You will also need a smartphone or tablet to verify your identity. If this is not an option, then you can verify by visiting a branch.
Documents you will need
You will find more information about what documentation will be needed on our identifications page.
If you are coming to see us in branch or in one of our Local sites and have a debit card, you will need to bring it with you and know your PIN.
We will need you to verify your identity before we can register your authority. You can do this by using the Barclays app verify your identity.
If you cannot verify your identity using the Barclays app, you can come and see us and bring documentation. You will find more information about what documentation will be needed on our identifications page.
You will need to have the full original or certified legal document, not just the summary page. This can be several pages long, so please make sure you have all the pages.
Guidance will be provided as part of the process on any additional requirements.
Once we receive everything we need, we will aim to set up your access within 10 working days. If we need anything else from you, we will get in touch by email or phone.
When it is set up, we will send you a letter to confirm that you have access, along with anything else you asked for, such as Online and Telephone Banking details or debit cards.
The type of authority you have will affect how you can manage the person’s accounts once you’re registered with us. Depending on whether you have power of attorney, a Court of Protection order or third-party authority, you’ll have access to these features.
Feature | If you’re appointed to act ‘jointly and severally’ | If you’re appointed to act ‘jointly’ |
---|---|---|
Debit card | ||
Online Banking | ||
Telephone Banking | ||
Barclays app | ||
Manned counter in branch | All deputies must be together | |
Self-service machines in branch | ||
Cheque book (only available if the person has lost mental capacity) |
All deputies must sign together |
If you have a question or need to make a transfer but can’t visit a branch, call our Telephone Banking team on 0345 734 53452 (+44 24 7684 21001 if you’re abroad). You’ll need your Telephone Banking membership number and passcode when you call – we’ll have sent you this in a letter when you registered with us.
Our handy Banking from home guide explains how to make transfers and manage payments.
The Office of the Public Guardian has a support line that anyone can contact if they have any concerns about a deputy. More details can be found at gov.uk/report-concern-about-deputy-deputy.
A third-party authority is a temporary arrangement between you and someone you trust to access your bank accounts with us on your behalf.
A Court of Protection (CoP) order is a legal document that lets a person (the ‘deputy’, in legal documentation) make decisions about property and finances on behalf of someone who, due to mental incapacity, can no longer make those decisions themselves (the ‘donor’). The process of setting it up can be complicated, and it’s often needed at a difficult time, which is why we’re here to support you in any way we can.
A guardianship (missing persons) order (GMPO) is a court-appointed document that lets someone take care of the property and finances of a person who’s been missing for an extended period of time.
An appointeeship lets someone manage someone else’s government benefits and claims.