Form COP24: Court of Protection witness statement

What is Form COP24?

When the Court of Protection is deciding something for a person who can't make the decision themselves, such as who should manage their money or where they should live, it often wants written evidence from the people involved. Form COP24 is the standard layout for that evidence: a witness statement. It says who you are, how you're connected to the case, and what you know, in numbered paragraphs, ending with a statement of truth you sign.

Anyone with relevant evidence can make one, whether they're a party to the case (for example the applicant) or not, such as a relative, a carer or a professional. If the court asks for evidence on oath instead, it uses the COP25 affidavit, not this form.

FileIt asks for the details in the box at the top of page 1, your occupation and address, and your statement, then prints it all onto the court's own COP24 PDF. Your statement flows across the three statement boxes on pages 2 to 4 automatically, and FileIt tells you if it's too long to fit, so you can put the rest on a separate sheet. You print it, sign it and file it with the court yourself. FileIt never submits anything.

Who needs to fill out Form COP24?

• A family member applying to become a deputy who wants to give the court more detail than the application form allows.
• Relatives, friends or carers asked by a party to give evidence about the person's needs, wishes or circumstances.
• Professionals, such as a social worker or a care home manager, making a statement in their work capacity.
• Someone giving a second or later statement in the same case: the form numbers them (1st, 2nd, 3rd or other).

When to use Form COP24

• When you are filing written evidence with the Court of Protection, either inside this form or attached to it.
• When the court or another party asks you for a witness statement. If the court wants an affidavit instead, use COP25.
• Each time you make a new statement in the case, numbered in order.

What you need before you start

• The court's case number, if the case has one.
• The full name of the person the application is about, and the name of the party you're making the statement for.
• Your full name, occupation (or a description, such as 'the person's daughter') and address. If you're making it in your work capacity, your position, employer and work address.
• What you want to say, in numbered paragraphs, and the labels of any exhibits you refer to, such as 'Exhibit A'.

What’s on Form COP24

The 2017 edition has 4 pages. FileIt asks for it in 4 parts, and it is signed by Witness:

1. About this statementWitness
2. About youWitness
3. Your statementWitness
4. Statement of truthWitness

How to fill out Form COP24, step by step

1 The box at the top of page 1

Your name as the witness, which number statement this is, who it's filed on behalf of and the date. Then the case number and the full name of the person the application relates to. The form asks that any separate sheets and exhibits repeat the details in this box, so they can be matched up.

2 About you (boxes 1 to 3)

Your full name, your occupation or a description of yourself, and your address. Then say whether you are a party to the proceedings or employed by one. If neither applies, leave both boxes empty.

3 Your statement (box 4)

Set it out in numbered paragraphs. Say which things you know first-hand and which are matters of information or belief, and where that information came from. Where you refer to a document, give its label, for example 'I refer to the bank statement marked Exhibit A'. FileIt fills the box on page 2 and carries on into pages 3 and 4.

4 Statement of truth

You sign under 'I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true', with your name and the date. Only the witness can sign it.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mixing up what you saw yourself with what someone told you, without saying which is which.
• Referring to documents without labelling them as exhibits, or not attaching them.
• Not repeating the page 1 details on continuation sheets and exhibits.
• Forgetting to initial any handwritten changes: the form says alterations must be initialled.
• Using COP24 when the court has asked for an affidavit (COP25).

After you fill it out

Print the statement, read it through, and sign and date the statement of truth.

Attach any exhibits and continuation sheets, each marked with the details from the top of page 1.

Return it to the Court of Protection, or give it to the party who asked for it so they can file it. FileIt keeps a copy in your vault. FileIt doesn't send anything for you.

Form COP24: frequently asked questions

Official sources

• Blank form (PDF), published by Court of Protection (HM Courts & Tribunals Service): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/601aab44d3bf7f70b7d4f8e3/cop24-eng.pdf
• Official instructions and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/give-a-witness-statement-about-a-person-who-lacks-capacity-form-cop24
• Edition shown on this page: COP 24 (12.17) (checked 2026-10-19).

FileIt is not affiliated with or endorsed by Court of Protection (HM Courts & Tribunals Service) or any government. This page explains the form in general terms and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always read the official instructions, and check that you are using the edition the recipient accepts. Page last reviewed 2026-10-19.

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