About us

AIV are Independent Visitors from across England and Wales who pool their extensive knowledge and resources to provide expertise in working with people who may lack the mental capacity for specific decisions.

We are committed to providing a professional and quality service, putting the client at the centre of the assessment process and taking all necessary steps to support the client with the decision that needs to be made. We are skilled, empathic and compassionate communicators, who strive to put client’s at ease and maximise their engagement with their assessment.

AIV Visitors hold a range of professional qualifications and have experience as social workers, nurses, psychologists, solicitors and advocates; the majority of our Visitors have either current or previous experience as Court of Protection Visitors and so have comprehensive knowledge of the Court of Protection and the Office of the Public Guardian procedures.

Visitors work on an independent basis but meet at Conference twice a year to share best practice, reflect upon case law and updates relevant to the services provided. AIV has an active Visitor forum which enables Visitors to access the collective knowledge and experience of their colleagues quickly and easily. Peer support and knowledge sharing is part of the ethos of AIV and of Judy’s legacy.

Judy Wurr

AIV was formed in 2008 following the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005; the inspiration behind AIV was Judy Wurr. Judy was a founder member of AIV and a former Lord Chancellor’s Visitor with a background in community care. Her passion for supporting the rights of the individual was a significant influence in the creation and direction of AIV. She gave freely of her wide experience encouraging the group and mentoring new members as the association grew. She was respected by the legal professionals she worked with. The many people she helped appreciated her kindness and concern and the added bonus of her lively sense of humour. Judy died suddenly in September 2020. Her loss is still keenly felt by all who knew her. She was the spirit of AIV and AIVuk is part of her legacy.

Our Visitors’ Areas of Expertise include:

  • Court of Protection/Office of the Public Guardian
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • Mental Health Act 1983
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Physical and Sensory Disabilities
  • DoLs/BIA
  • Report Writing
  • Care Act 2014
  • Dementias
  • Brain Injury
  • Mental Health
  • Inter-Agency Liaison
  • Carers
  • Autism and Neurodiversity
  • Independent Visits

Please see our FAQ page for more details, our Find a Visitor page to find a Visitor local to you and to see individual Visitors’ profiles.

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Association of Independent Visitors

AIV comprises a group of independent professionals, including current and former Court of Protection Visitors, who have formed an association to uphold the principles of the Mental Capacity Act and safeguard best interests.

©2008-2025 Association of Independent Visitors (UK)