Introduction to Court of Protection Costs

We’re pleased to offer a tailored session explicitly designed for paralegals and trainees who are new to Court of Protection work. Over approximately two hours, this practical introduction covers the key costs, procedures and best time-recording practices that underpin successful recovery. It’s an ideal starting point for junior team members who want to build confidence and competence in this specialist area and ensure they maximise the recovery of time spent on cases.

Delivered by our expert costs specialists, the course walks through billing processes, fixed costs, time recording and common pitfalls. Real-world examples and actionable tips help delegates apply best practices immediately in their own work. Training is available online or in-person and can be tailored to your requirements. We regularly support both small teams seeking focused guidance and larger departments looking for consistent training at scale.

Duration: 2 hours

Who it’s for: Paralegals, trainees, and junior fee-earners starting in COP costs 

Delivery: Online or in-person, tailored to your firm

Modules / Structure

• Overview of COP and FTG
  COP landscape, roles and responsibilities and how A & M and FTG support practitioners.
• Basis of Assessment & Fixed Costs
  SCCO principles, the fixed costs framework and their application.
• Billing Dates & Assessment Process
  Key timelines, billing points and what to expect during the assessment.
• Time Records and Attendance Notes
  What “good” looks like: clarity, detail and audit-ready notes.
• Guideline Hourly Rates (2021–2025 Updates)
  GHR updates, applying the correct rate and evidencing uplift.
• Common Pitfalls & Mistakes to Avoid
  Frequent causes of reductions and how to prevent them.
• Time Recording Tips (Calls, Letters, Meetings)
  Capturing prep/admin efficiently without over- or under-recording.
• Preparation Time and Justifying Work
  Proportionality, necessity and demonstrating value.
• OPG Guidance & Case Law (e.g., “TG”)
  Key authorities shaping the approach to recoverability and reasonableness.
  
• Top Tips for Effective Billing
  Practical checklists to improve first-time recovery and reduce queries.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this two-hour session, learners will be able to:

• Explain the COP costs framework and A & M’s role in supporting recoverability.
  
• Apply the fixed-costs regime and Guideline Hourly Rates (including 2021–2025 updates) correctly to typical COP matters.
  
• Record time and draft attendance notes to an assessment-ready standard, capturing necessity, purpose and outcomes.
  
• Identify common pitfalls that lead to reductions and implement practical fixes to avoid them.
  
• Map billing dates and navigate the assessment process with clear documentation and evidence.
  
• Justify preparation time with proportionality and reasonableness arguments that withstand scrutiny.
  
• Reference core OPG guidance and relevant case law (e.g., Re. TG) to support recoverability.
  
• Use a pre-submission checklist to improve first-time recovery rates and reduce post-assessment queries.
  
• Create a personal action plan to improve your day-to-day time recording and billing practices.

Please reach out to us at info@aandmbacon.co.uk for more information about the training we provide.