Our clients include vulnerable people of all ages who are incapacitated because of injury, clinical negligence, mental illness or old age, including individuals with:
- brain injuries
- learning difficulties
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
We also offer assistance to other solicitors in valuing and claiming the costs of Deputyship as part of a compensation settlement.
The need for a ‘deputy’
If someone is no longer capable of dealing with their own financial affairs or personal welfare, the Court of Protection will appoint a ‘deputy’. We can be a professional deputy or assist you with making a deputyship application. The deputy will have the power to make financial and, in some cases, welfare decisions for someone who does not have capacity to make those decisions themselves.
We regularly work closely with case managers and other professionals to meet all of the client’s needs. The Court of Protection will authorise the deputy to act on a person’s behalf, granting them responsibility for property and affairs including:
- maintaining a bank account
- making investments
- paying bills
- claiming benefits
- setting up a budget
- purchasing/selling and adapting property
- purchasing specialist equipment
- employing carers
- appointing and liaising with case managers
- filing tax returns
- arranging holidays
- accounting to the Court on an annual basis
Dealing with the Court of Protection can be time consuming and complex. In many cases we act as a professional deputy to make things easier for our clients. We will often visit the client in their home and we always consult with their family and friends throughout. We do this to ensure that we are always acting in the best interests of our client.
Making a Will
A person who does not have the capacity to deal with their financial affairs does not necessarily lack the capacity to make a Will. We can help the clients to make a Will for themselves. If you wish to know more about making a Will please click here.
If the client is unable to make their own Will, we can make an application to the Court of Protection for a statutory Will, which will take into account the wishes of the client wherever possible.
Why use the Rix & Kay Court of Protection team?
Our Court of Protection team can give you clear, pragmatic advice in an efficient and prompt manner whether acting as a professional deputy or just guiding you through the application process.
Our clients often tell us that the team are approachable, friendly, discrete and above all that we care. The team look to develop longstanding and valuable relationship and truly are experts in this field.
We often draw on the experience from other specialists in the firm who have considerable expertise and experience in such areas as:
- residential property
- lasting power of attorney’s
- wills
- employment
- family
- personal & medical injury
- dispute resolution
Our clients are based all around the UK so whether you are based locally in East Sussex or further a field, rest assured you are in safe hands.
If you would like further assistance contact Stella Mullane on 01825 700177 or e-mail Stella on stellamullane@rixandkay.co.uk or complete the brief online enquiry form above.
