9.1This chapter considers the process of initiating a case in the Court of Protection which concerns P’s health or personal welfare. It examines the ‘personal welfare pathway’ which was introduced as part of the Case Management Pilot, and goes on to provide guidance on completing the relevant COP forms, obtaining permission and dealing with service. It then discusses how to respond to an application. A flowchart summarising the procedure is set out at the end of this chapter. It should be read with chapter 10 on interim hearings and interim applications, because that chapter takes the life of the application forward.