At LA, we understand that it is important to plan for challenges you may in the future. A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you select one or more people to help you make decisions. This means you have more control over what happens if you can’t make decisions yourself, such as following an accident or illness.
The Court of Protection deals with cases involving vulnerable adults who may have lost the mental capacity required to make certain decisions about their finances, health or welfare, and have not already made LPAs or an Enduring Power of Attorney. They might have suffered a brain injury, have a learning disability or advanced dementia.
When someone loses their capacity, it can be very distressing for both them and their family. Our specialist Court of Protection solicitors offer straightforward, clear advice, delivered in a practical and sensitive manner.
How can our court of protection solicitors help?
Our team of specialist lawyers provides sympathetic support and advice for individuals on:
- Preparing and registering lasting powers of attorney for finances and health and welfare;
- Preparing general powers of attorney;
- Assisting you with an application for deputyship;
- Advising you on the operation of existing Enduring Powers of Attorney and registering the document with the Office of the Public Guardian;
- Advising attorneys and deputies of their rights and responsibilities;
- The management of financial affairs under an LPA or deputyship;
- Advising on the financial aspects of care, including local authority funding, financial planning and welfare benefits;
- Assessing mental capacity with regard to a particular transaction and obtaining capacity assessments from other professionals where appropriate;
- Preparing statutory wills and trusts and applying to the court for their approval;
- Advising on the requirements of dealing with a sale of property where the owner (or one of the owners) has lost mental capacity;
- Seeking the court’s directions on specific issues, for example, making gifts, transferring assets, selling property approving an attorney’s expenditure and making other key decisions on behalf of the vulnerable person.
If you are a health and social care provider, you may find yourself involved in a dispute over where a service user should live or what treatment they should receive. We can provide you with advice and representation to help protect your interests.
Find out more on about our Healthcare & Social Care services.
Who do we help?
- Individuals;
- Vulnerable adults;
- Families;
- Deputies;
- Attorneys;
- Health and social care providers.
Why choose us?
Our professional team of Court of Protection lawyers provide a breadth of expert legal services. We will work with you to provide you with bespoke advice in an approachable and responsive manner.