If you have not made an Enduring Power of Attorney or a Lasting Power of Attorney and you have become mentally incapacitated (either as a result of an accident or illness) your family will have no choice but to apply for someone to be appointed a deputy by the Court of Protection.  It is an unwieldy and bureaucratic procedure and the Court of Protection has to approve all steps taken by the deputy in managing your property and affairs.  We can advise you on the Court of Protection.  It is far better from the family's point of view if an individual has put in place a Lasting Power of Attorney.