Anybody over the age of 18 can potentially act as a deputy. The Court of Protection deputy can be either a professional deputy, such as a solicitor or an accountant, or a lay deputy, such as a family member or a friend. The individual must be over 18 years old and have the necessary skills and experience to carry out the role. The individual must also undergo a thorough assessment process, which includes a criminal record check and a financial assessment, provide references and complete a training programme before being appointed as a deputy. In order to be a property and financial affairs deputy, the person appointed usually cannot previously have been declared bankrupt.  Certain people should be notified of the application to appoint a deputy, including the person to whom it relates, and they will then have opportunity to raise any objections to the proposed appointment.