Information for nearest relatives – Mental Health Tribunal (T117)

Use this guidance if you think you might be a patient’s nearest relative (a legal term) in a First-tier Tribunal – Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (Mental Health) hearing.

The guidance explains:

• who is the patient’s nearest relative (it’s not always the next of kin)
• the nearest relative’s role
• what a tribunal is
• who is on a tribunal and what they do
• what happens during and after a Mental Health Tribunal hearing
• how to claim your expenses

Find Mental Health Tribunal forms.