Court of Protection

Court of Protection work is a specialist area of law, the importance of which is often overlooked until a family member or friend, for a variety of reasons, lacks capacity to manage their affairs independently.

If you are concerned about a loved one’s ability to effectively manage their affairs, we can assist and support you.

At Ramsdens Solicitors, we have experts who have been approved and appointed by the Court of Protection.  Our Partner Veronica Mullins is one of only 64 Court approved Panel Deputies in the UK, meaning we are well-placed to offer this type of legal advice. A Panel Deputy is chosen by the Court of Protection, for their experience and knowledge in Deputyship matters, to manage the financial affairs of individuals who no longer have capacity to manage their affairs independently - ordinarily in cases where there are no appropriate or willing family members to act.

Dependent on the circumstances, there is also the option to apply to the Court of Protection for another member of our court approved solicitors to act as a Professional Deputy.

If you are will to act as a Deputy for a loved one then we may be able to assist you with a Lay Deputyship Application.

There is no Panel of Deputies in respect of matters surrounding an individuals health and welfare.  The merit of making such an application is to be considered on a case by case basis.

To discuss your current circumstances with a knowledgeable and friendly solicitor, get in touch with us today. Contact us by calling 0344 3260049 or fill out an online enquiry form, and we will be in touch at a convenient time for you.

What is the Court of Protection?

The Court of Protection is a specialist court that helps to protect vulnerable individuals who lack the capacity to deal with their own affairs. An individual may lack capacity for a number of reasons including but not limited to:

• Differing types of Dementia
• Learning difficulties - mild or severe
• Brain injury - this may be from birth or, for example, as a result of medical negligence or other incidents.

Our team has the legal expertise to deal with a full range of Court of Protection services, including the following:

HOW WE CAN HELP

Our knowledgeable solicitors offer practical, easy-to-understand advice with the utmost sensitivity and care. We work with each client to provide the best possible advice, helping our clients to find a solution that is right for them.

We provide assistance with the following issues:

• Court of Protection Disputes
• Health & Welfare
• Deputyship
• Guardianship
• Lasting Powers of Attorney 
• Statutory Wills
• Trusts, including Personal Injury Trusts

What does a Court of Protection solicitor do?

When a person lacks the mental capacity to look after their own affairs and has not put in place a Power of Attorney, the Court of Protection will appoint a deputy to look after their affairs. The Deputy must act in that person’s best interests, following the rules of the Mental Capacity Act. The team works together to ensure that the individual who is subject to the Deputyship order has everything they need and that their assets are protected.

As the UK population continues to live longer, having finances and other affairs in order is vital to ensure older individuals can rest assured that their assets will be left to the person or organisation they choose.

When would I need a Court of Protection solicitor?

If you are in a situation where you have become responsible for managing the affairs of another individual, seeking legal assistance is recommended. Handling another person’s affairs can be very daunting and is a huge responsibility. You may also find that you hit numerous roadblocks when trying to correspond with the relevant financial institutions.

A solicitor will give you the advice you require to manage someone else’s money and affairs in their best interests. A solicitor can assist if:

• You are concerned about someone else’s ability to manage their own affairs;
• You are worried about your own capability to manage your affairs;
• You believe that another person’s affairs are being mismanaged, or you believe your own affairs are being mismanaged.

WHY CHOOSE RAMSDENS?

• Ramsdens solicitors is ranked in the prestigious Legal 500.  We have the knowledge and expertise required to assist you with all Court of Protection related issues.
• Our Partner, Natalie Lang, was recently ranked as a key lawyer and has previously been described as 'efficient and pragmatic' in her approach to Deputyship matters.
• Our Partner, Veronica Mullins, is one of only 64 Court approved Panel Deputies and is experienced in this type of work.
• Our team understand the sensitive nature of such cases, and will endeavour to treat your case with the utmost care.

View our awards and accreditations.