Mental Capacity Assessments
in Surrey

Why Choose A Mental Capacity Assessment?

Halcyon Doctors provides private mental capacity assessments in Surrey for families, solicitors, attorneys, deputies, and other professionals who need a clear medical opinion on someone’s ability to make a specific decision. Our independent doctors prepare structured reports for legal, financial, welfare and care-related matters, with appointments arranged at a location that suits the person being assessed.

Our mental capacity assessments determine an individual’s ability to:

Retrospective Capacity Assessments

We also carry out retrospective capacity assessments, reviewing whether someone had the mental capacity to make a decision at a particular point in the past.

If you need a trusted, specialist assessment in Surrey, we are here to help.

How is Mental Capacity Assessed?

A mental capacity assessment looks at whether a person can make one specific decision at the time it needs to be made. It is never a general judgement on someone’s overall abilities. The assessment considers whether the person can understand the relevant information, retain it long enough to make the decision, weigh it up, and communicate their choice.

Capacity can vary from one decision to another, and can change depending on timing, health, and the support available at the time. This is why someone might have capacity to decide where to live, for example, but lack capacity to manage a large financial transaction.

The assessment usually looks at whether the person can:

Because capacity is decision-specific and can fluctuate, our doctors assess each case on its own facts rather than applying a blanket judgement.

How the Process Works

Initial Enquiry

We talk through the decision that needs to be assessed, the reason for the assessment and any legal, medical, or family context that matters.

Background Review

Where relevant, we review medical records, solicitor instructions, care notes, legal documents, or other supporting information ahead of the appointment.

Assessment Appointment

A suitable doctor carries out the assessment, either at home, in a care home, hospital, solicitor’s office or another appropriate Surrey location.

Written Report

After the assessment, we provide a clear written report setting out the evidence considered, the legal test applied and the doctor’s opinion.

Further Support

Where needed, we liaise with solicitors, attorneys, deputies, family members, or other professionals involved in the case.

Types of Mental Capacity Assessments We Provide in Surrey

LPA Capacity Assessments

For individuals setting up or revoking a Lasting Power of Attorney where there are concerns about understanding, consent, undue influence or future legal challenge.

Testamentary Capacity Assessments

For individuals making or changing a Will, particularly where there is cognitive impairment, family dispute, dementia diagnosis or a risk of the Will being challenged.

COP3 Court of Protection Assessments

For Court of Protection applications where expert opinion is needed on a person’s ability to make decisions about finances, property, health or welfare.

Capacity to Manage Financial Affairs

For decisions involving banking, investments, property, pensions, deputyship or day-to-day financial management.

Capacity to Decide Where to Live or Receive Care

For decisions around care homes, supported living, hospital discharge, home care or care planning.

Capacity to Make a Gift

For significant financial gifts where there may be concerns about understanding, pressure, vulnerability or future dispute.

Litigation Capacity

For individuals involved in legal proceedings where there is a need to establish whether they can instruct solicitors or participate in the process.

Retrospective Capacity Assessments

For cases where opinion is needed on whether someone had capacity at a previous point in time, often in relation to a Will, gift, property transfer or legal document.

Our Specialists in Surrey

We ensure that every patient is matched with the most suitable Halcyon Doctor based on their specialism, location, and spoken language. Find Your Halcyon Doctor in Surrey below.

Dr Yasmin Abbasi

COVERING:

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MBBS, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych

Dr Abbasi qualified as a Doctor from St Barts and the Royal London Medical School in 2011. She also has a 1st class honours BSc in Psychology from the University of Leicester. She trained in Psychiatry in Surrey, obtaining CCT in General Adult Psychiatry, Older Adult Psychiatry and an endorsement in Liaison Psychiatry.
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Dr Yasmin Abbasi

Dr Yasmin Abbasi

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MBBS, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych

COVERING:

Dr Abbasi qualified as a Doctor from St Barts and the Royal London Medical School in 2011. She also has a 1st class honours BSc in Psychology from the University of Leicester. She trained in Psychiatry in Surrey, obtaining CCT in General Adult Psychiatry, Older Adult Psychiatry and an endorsement in Liaison Psychiatry.
Read more

COVERING:

Surrey & South East England

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MB BS, MRC Psych

Dr Kit Akass graduated with his medical degree from the University of East Anglia in 2012. Following completing Foundation Training in York and North Lincolnshire he completed his core psychiatry in North Yorkshire before competing Higher Specialist Training in General Adult Psychiatry with an endorsement in Liaison Psychiatry in the South West London and St George’s scheme.
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Dr Kit Akass

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MB BS, MRC Psych

COVERING:

Surrey & South East England

Dr Kit Akass graduated with his medical degree from the University of East Anglia in 2012. Following completing Foundation Training in York and North Lincolnshire he completed his core psychiatry in North Yorkshire before competing Higher Specialist Training in General Adult Psychiatry with an endorsement in Liaison Psychiatry in the South West London and St George’s scheme.
Read more

COVERING:

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MBBS, BSc, MRCPsych

Dr Fazal is a consultant psychiatrist, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders in older adults. He qualified as a doctor from King’s College London in 2010.
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Dr Karim Fazal

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MBBS, BSc, MRCPsych

COVERING:

Dr Fazal is a consultant psychiatrist, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders in older adults. He qualified as a doctor from King’s College London in 2010.
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COVERING:

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MB BS, MA (Oxon), BA, MRCPsych, DGM

Dr Matthew Hagger studied at Oxford University and the Royal Free Hospital, London, gaining a first in physiological sciences at Oxford. His core and higher Psychiatric training was in London. He is dual trained in old age and adult Psychiatry, with an endorsement in Liaison Psychiatry.
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Dr Matthew Hagger

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MB BS, MA (Oxon), BA, MRCPsych, DGM

COVERING:

Dr Matthew Hagger studied at Oxford University and the Royal Free Hospital, London, gaining a first in physiological sciences at Oxford. His core and higher Psychiatric training was in London. He is dual trained in old age and adult Psychiatry, with an endorsement in Liaison Psychiatry.
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COVERING:

Surrey & South-West London

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MBBS BSc (Hons) MSc PhD FRCPsych

Dr Josie Jenkinson graduated in Medicine from St George’s, University of London in 2005, and has a PhD in Old Age Psychiatry from King’s College London.
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Dr Josie Jenkinson

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MBBS BSc (Hons) MSc PhD FRCPsych

COVERING:

Surrey & South-West London

Dr Josie Jenkinson graduated in Medicine from St George’s, University of London in 2005, and has a PhD in Old Age Psychiatry from King’s College London.
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COVERING:

London, Surrey & Essex

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MB BS MRCPsych

Dr Sachdev completed her medical graduation from India. She completed her membership exams in 2010 and attained a completion of certificate training in old age psychiatry in 2013. She has an interest in teaching and completed a certificate in learning and teaching from Queen Mary University, London.
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Dr Kapila Sachdev

CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST

MB BS MRCPsych

COVERING:

London, Surrey & Essex

Dr Sachdev completed her medical graduation from India. She completed her membership exams in 2010 and attained a completion of certificate training in old age psychiatry in 2013. She has an interest in teaching and completed a certificate in learning and teaching from Queen Mary University, London.
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Why Choose Halcyon Doctors?

At Halcyon Doctors, we provide independent, expert-led mental capacity assessments designed to bring absolute clarity to complex decisions. Our approach is thorough, legally robust, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

Thorough Assessments by Expert Medical Professionals

Our specialists carry out comprehensive evaluations, taking up to 120 minutes, and consider cognitive, psychological, and physical health. A streamlined assessment is available where appropriate.

Reports That Integrate within Legal Processes

Our reports are detailed enough to stand up to legal scrutiny and meet the required legal standards. We provide LPA Certificates and CoP3 Forms, and can witness Wills, so our work fits directly into your legal process.

Combined Medical and Legal Knowledge

We look to maximise a person’s mental capacity by considering their health conditions, treatment options, and the best timing for assessment, so the outcome is fair and accurate.

Ensure clarity and confidence in important legal decisions. Explore our expert-led Capacity Services across the UK here.

- Solicitor, Osbornes LLP

“I was very pleased and impressed with the service you provided.”

Where Do We Cover?

Halcyon Doctors provides mental capacity assessments across Surrey and the surrounding areas. Our doctors can attend suitable locations including private homes, care homes, hospitals, legal offices, and other professional settings.

We support clients across Guildford, Woking, Reigate, Epsom, Farnham, Camberley, Dorking, and the wider Surrey area, as well as neighbouring areas where one of our

specialists is available. When you contact us, we match you with the most suitable doctor based on the type of assessment required, location, clinical specialism, and availability.

We also offer our services across England and Wales and will connect you with the most suitable Halcyon Doctor based on your needs.

How Can I Learn More?

Get clear, expert-led mental capacity assessments with transparent pricing tailored to your needs. Learn more about our assessment options, fees, and services on our Capacity Services page. If you have any questions or need to arrange an assessment, our team is here to help. Contact us today.

- Solicitor, Charles Russell
Speechlys LLP

“Dear [Halcyon Doctor], thank you for the comprehensive report on Mrs H’s capacity. I am very glad to have received such a detailed report, which chimed with my own view that Mrs H has full capacity.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a mental capacity assessment in Surrey cost?

Fees depend on the type of decision being assessed, the complexity of the case and whether background records need to be reviewed.

Most assessments take up to 120 minutes, though this can vary depending on the person’s needs and the decision being considered.

Assessments can be carried out at home, in a care home, in hospital, at a solicitor’s office or at another suitable location across Surrey, depending on what works best for the person being assessed.

Assessments can be requested by family members, solicitors, attorneys, deputies, care providers, and other professionals involved in a person’s care or legal affairs.

Yes. We carry out retrospective assessments to determine whether someone had capacity to make a specific decision at a point in the past.

Our reports are prepared to meet the required legal standards, applying the correct legal test for the decision in question, so they can be used confidently in legal and Court of Protection proceedings.

We aim to arrange assessments as quickly as possible once we understand the decision involved and any urgency around it. Contact us to discuss timescales for your specific case.

Contact us

For enquiries or instructions,
please get in touch with us today.

Call Halcyon Doctors on:
0203 7000 163
or email us at:
[email protected]