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Wards of court:

When a person becomes unable to manage his or her assets because of mental incapacity, an application can be made to the courts for the person to become a ward of court. The court must decide as to whether the person is capable of managing his or her own property for his or her own benefit and the benefit of his or her dependants. If it is decided that the person cannot manage his or her own property because of mental incapacity, a committee is appointed to control the assets on the ward's behalf.

A person under 18 years old may also be taken into wardship as a minor.

 * cases pending with inquiry order signed at 31st December

General Solicitor for Minors and Wards of Court:

The General Solicitor for Minors and Wards of Court is a solicitor in the service of the State appointed by the President of the High Court to act in certain wardship matters. He/she is accountable to the High Court for all monies and assets under his/her control relating to the affairs of a minor or ward. The General Solicitor can only act as solicitor in those matters assigned to them by the registrar of Wards of Court. He/she cannot take on private clients like a solicitor in private practice.

Enduring powers of attorney (registered):

An enduring power of attorney allows another specially appointed person (the attorney) to make ‘personal care decisions’ on the donor's behalf once he/she is no longer fully mentally capable of taking decisions him/herself.  Personal care decisions may include deciding where and with whom the donor will live, who he/she should see or not see and what training or rehabilitation he/she should get.